Identification of candidate genes involved in the etiology of sporadic Tourette syndrome by exome sequencing

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by chronic motor and vocal tics. Although there is a large genetic contribution, the genetic architecture of TS remains unclear. Exome sequencing has successfully revealed the contribution of de novo mutations in sporadic cases with neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Here, using exome sequencing, we investigated de novo mutations in individuals with sporadic TS to identify novel risk loci and elucidate the genetic background of TS. Exome analysis was conducted for sporadic TS cases: nine trio families and one quartet family with concordant twins were investigated. Missense mutations were evaluated using functional prediction algorithms, and their population frequencies were calculated based on three public databases. Gene expression patterns in the brain were analyzed using the BrainSpan Developmental Transcriptome. Thirty de novo mutations, including four synonymous and four missense mutations, were identified. Among the missense mutations, one in the rapamycin-insensitive companion of mammalian target of rapamycin (RICTOR)-coding gene (rs140964083: G > A, found in one proband) was predicted to be hazardous. In the three public databases analyzed, variants in the same SNP locus were absent, and variants in the same gene were either absent or present at an extremely low frequency (3/5,008), indicating the rarity of hazardous RICTOR mutations in the general population. The de novo variant of RICTOR may be implicated in the development of sporadic TS, and RICTOR is a novel candidate factor for TS etiology.

Molecular epidemiological study of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Japanese population by whole-exome sequencing and identification of novel HNRNPA1 mutation

To elucidate the genetic epidemiology of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) in the Japanese population, we conducted whole-exome sequencing analysis of 30 FALS families in whom causative mutations have not been identified in previous studies. Consequently, whole-exome sequencing analysis revealed novel mutations in HNRNPA1, TBK1, and VCP. Taken together with our previous results of mutational analyses by direct nucleotide sequencing analysis, a microarray-based resequencing method, or repeat-primed PCR analysis, causative mutations were identified in 41 of the 68 families (60.3%) with SOD1 being the most frequent cause of FALS (39.7%). Of the mutations identified in this study, a novel c.862/1018C>G (p.P288A/340A) mutation in HNRNPA1 located in the nuclear localization signal domain of hnRNPA1, enhances the recruitment of mutant hnRNPA1 into stress granules, indicating that an altered nuclear localization signal activity plays an essential role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis.

Ataxic form of autosomal recessive PEX10-related peroxisome biogenesis disorders with a novel compound heterozygous gene mutation and characteristic clinical phenotype

Peroxisome biogenesis factor 10 (PEX10) is involved in the import of peroxisomal matrix proteins, and the mutation of this gene causes 3 subtypes of peroxisome biogenesis disorders, namely Zellweger syndrome (severe), neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy (moderate) and an ataxic form (mild). Here, we report 3 siblings of the ataxic form with cerebellar ataxia, mild mental retardation, and 3 additional characteristic features: mydriasis, hyperreflexia and involuntary head movement. All 3 siblings are compound heterozygous for a previously reported mutation, c.2T>C (p.M1T), and a novel mutation, c.920G>A, causing a missense change (p.C307Y) located in the RING finger domain of PEX10. The present cases suggest that these PEX10 mutations involve not only cerebellar but also more multiple nervous systems including pupillary autonomic, pyramidal and extrapyramidal systems.

Modeling neurological diseases with induced pluripotent cells reprogrammed from immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines

Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) facilitate understanding of the etiology of diseases, discovery of new drugs and development of novel therapeutic interventions. A frequently used starting source of cells for generating iPSCs has been dermal fibroblasts (DFs) isolated from skin biopsies. However, there are also numerous repositories containing lymphoblastoid B-cell lines (LCLs) generated from a variety of patients. To date, this rich bioresource of LCLs has been underused for generating iPSCs, and its use would greatly expand the range of targeted diseases that could be studied by using patient-specific iPSCs. However, it remains unclear whether patient’s LCL-derived iPSCs (LiPSCs) can function as a disease model. Therefore, we generated Parkinson’s disease patient-specific LiPSCs and evaluated their utility as tools for modeling neurological diseases. We established iPSCs from two LCL clones, which were derived from a healthy donor and a patient carrying PARK2 mutations, by using existing non-integrating episomal protocols. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analyses showed that the appearance of somatic variations in the genomes of the iPSCs did not vary substantially according to the original cell types (LCLs, T-cells and fibroblasts). Furthermore, LiPSCs could be differentiated into functional neurons by using the direct neurosphere conversion method (dNS method), and they showed several Parkinson’s disease phenotypes that were similar to those of DF-iPSCs. These data indicate that the global LCL repositories can be used as a resource for generating iPSCs and disease models. Thus, LCLs are the powerful tools for generating iPSCs and modeling neurological diseases.

Two Cases of Feline Malignant Craniopharyngioma

Tumors at the cranial base in 2 cats (a 9 1/2-year-old, castrated male Chinchilla and a 7-year-old, castrated male American shorthair) were diagnosed as malignant craniopharyngioma. The tumor lesion was histopathologically divided into four parts: 1) a small acinus part, in which relatively large cells with a pale cytoplasm composed small acini; 2) a duct part, in which small cuboidal cells composed ducts; 3) a cyst part, in which there were large cysts lined with flat cells; and 4) a pavement part, in which large multiangular-shaped cells proliferated in a pavement pattern. The epithelial cells of some parts were positive for keratin by immunohistochemistry. Histopathologic findings of the present feline cases were identical to those of malignant craniopharyngioma in other animal species.

Thymic Granulomatous Lesions in Pigs

Rare cases of thymic granulomatous lesions were found in pigs. The lesions consisted of epithelioid cells, multinucleated giant cells, and lymphocytes. Such lesions also were observed in the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, kidney, and stomach. The cytoplasm of the majority of giant cells and some epithlioid cells was periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive. All cells were positive for vimentin, lysozyme, and desmin. Ultrastructurally, the giant cells were rich in organella and attached to adjacent epithelioid cells by membrane interdigitation. The cells included numerous coated vesicles and granules. No etiologic pathogen, including porcine circovirus type 2, was detected in the lesions. This is the rare case of idiopathic thymic granulomatous lesion in pigs.

Recurrent DUX4 fusions in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia of adolescents and young adults

The oncogenic mechanisms underlying acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adolescents and young adults (AYA; 15-39 years old) remain largely elusive. Here we have searched for new oncogenes in AYA-ALL by performing RNA-seq analysis of Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-negative AYA-ALL specimens (n = 73) with the use of a next-generation sequencer. Interestingly, insertion of D4Z4 repeats containing the DUX4 gene into the IGH locus was frequently identified in B cell AYA-ALL, leading to a high level of expression of DUX4 protein with an aberrant C terminus. A transplantation assay in mice demonstrated that expression of DUX4-IGH in pro-B cells was capable of generating B cell leukemia in vivo. DUX4 fusions were preferentially detected in the AYA generation. Our data thus show that DUX4 can become an oncogenic driver as a result of somatic chromosomal rearrangements and that AYA-ALL may be a clinical entity distinct from ALL at other ages.

Mutations in MME cause an autosomal-recessive Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify new causes of Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease in patients with autosomal‐recessive (AR) CMT.

Methods

To efficiently identify novel causative genes for AR‐CMT, we analyzed 303 unrelated Japanese patients with CMT using whole‐exome sequencing and extracted recessive variants/genes shared among multiple patients. We performed mutation screening of the newly identified membrane metalloendopeptidase (MME) gene in 354 additional patients with CMT. We clinically, genetically, pathologically, and radiologically examined 10 patients with the MME mutation.

Results

We identified recessive mutations in MME in 10 patients. The MME gene encodes neprilysin (NEP), which is well known to be one of the most prominent beta‐amyloid (Aβ)‐degrading enzymes. All patients had a similar phenotype consistent with late‐onset axonal neuropathy. They showed muscle weakness, atrophy, and sensory disturbance in the lower extremities. All the MME mutations could be loss‐of‐function mutations, and we confirmed a lack/decrease of NEP protein expression in a peripheral nerve. No patients showed symptoms of dementia, and 1 patient showed no excess Aβ in Pittsburgh compound‐B positron emission tomography imaging.

Interpretation

Our results indicate that loss‐of‐function MME mutations are the most frequent cause of adult‐onset AR‐CMT2 in Japan, and we propose that this new disease should be termed AR‐CMT2T. A loss‐of‐function MME mutation did not cause early‐onset Alzheimer's disease. Identifying the MME mutation responsible for AR‐CMT could improve the rate of molecular diagnosis and the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CMT. Ann Neurol 2016;79:659–672

Functional outcome and quality of life after traumatic total brachial plexus injury treated by nerve transfer or single/double free muscle transfers

Aims

Between 2002 and 2011, 81 patients with a traumatic total brachial plexus injury underwent reconstruction by double free muscle transfer (DFMT, 47 cases), single muscle transfer (SMT, 16 cases) or nerve transfers (NT, 18 cases).

Methods

They were evaluated for functional outcome and quality of life (QoL) using the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, both pre- and post-operatively. The three groups were compared and followed-up for at least 24 months.

Results

The mean shoulder abduction and flexion were comparable in all groups, but external rotation was significantly better in the DFMT group as were range and quantitative power of elbow flexion. Patients who had undergone DFMT had reasonable total active finger movement and hook grip strength. All groups showed improvement in function at a level greater than a minimum clinically important difference. The DFMT group showed the greatest improvement.

Discussion

Patients in the DFMT group had a better functional outcome and QoL recovery than those in the NT and SMT groups. Take home message: Double free muscle transfer procedure is capable of restoring maximum function in patients of total brachial plexus palsy. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;97-B:209–17.

Evaluation of touch-sensitive screen tablet terminal button size and spacing accounting for effect of fingertip contact angle

Touch-sensitive screen terminals enabling intuitive operation are used as input interfaces in a wide range of fields. Tablet terminals are one of the most common devices with a touch-sensitive screen. They have a feature of good portability, enabling use under various conditions. On the other hand, they require a GUI designed to prevent decrease of usability under various conditions. For example, the angle of fingertip contact with the display changes according to finger posture during operation and how the case is held. When a human fingertip makes contact with an object, the contact area between the fingertip and contact object increases or decreases as the contact angle changes. A touch-sensitive screen detects positions using the change in capacitance of the area touched by the fingertip; hence, differences in contact area between the touch-sensitive screen and fingertip resulting from different forefinger angles during operation could possibly affect operability. However, this effect has never been studied. We therefore conducted an experiment to investigate the relationship between size/spacing and operability, while taking the effect of fingertip contact angle into account. As a result, we have been able to specify the button size and spacing conditions that enable accurate and fast operation regardless of the forefinger contact angle.

Atypical parkinsonism caused by Pro105Leu mutation of prion protein: A broad clinical spectrum

Objective:

To delineate molecular and clinical characteristics of 3 families with PRNP P105L mutation, a variant of Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome whose main motor symptoms were parkinsonism and/or involuntary movements.

Methods:

The causative mutation was first determined in the affected patients of family 1 using whole-exome sequencing, and then mutational analysis was extended to families 2 and 3. The clinical features of the patients of these 3 families were summarized. Haplotype analysis was performed using high-density single nucleotide polymorphism array.

Results:

The whole-exome sequencing revealed that the heterozygous mutation c.314C>T (p.P105L) in PRNP was the only known pathogenic mutation shared by the 3 patients of the family with autosomal dominant parkinsonism. We further identified the same mutation in patients of the other 2 families with autosomal dominant parkinsonism and/or involuntary movements. The clinical features of our patients with PRNP P105L mutation included various motor symptoms such as parkinsonism and involuntary movements in addition to progressive dementia. The clinical features in part overlapped with those of other forms of inherited prion diseases, such as fatal familial insomnia and Huntington disease-like type 1. The patients with PRNP P105L mutation shared a haplotype spanning 7.1 Mb around PRNP, raising the possibility that the mutations in the patients originated from a common founder.

Conclusion:

Most of the patients presented with parkinsonism in addition to progressive dementia. Although spastic paraparesis has been emphasized as the main clinical feature, the clinical spectrum of patients with PRNP P105L is broader than expected.

Judging hardness of an object from the sounds of tapping created by a white cane

The white cane plays a vital role in the independent mobility support of the visually impaired. Allowing the recognition of target attributes through the contact of a white cane is an important function. We have conducted research to obtain fundamental knowledge concerning the exploration methods used to perceive the hardness of an object through contact with a white cane. This research has allowed us to examine methods that enhance accuracy in the perception of objects as well as the materials and structures of a white cane. Previous research suggest considering the roles of both auditory and tactile information from the white cane in determining objects' hardness is necessary. This experimental study examined the ability of people to perceive the hardness of an object solely through the tapping sounds of a white cane (i.e., auditory information) using a method of magnitude estimation. Two types of sounds were used to estimate hardness: 1) the playback of recorded tapping sounds and 2) the sounds produced on-site by tapping. Three types of handgrips were used to create different sounds of tapping on an object with a cane. The participants of this experiment were five sighted university students wearing eye masks and two totally blind students who walk independently with a white cane. The results showed that both sighted university students and totally blind participants were able to accurately judge the hardness of an object solely by using auditory information from a white cane. For the blind participants, different handgrips significantly influenced the accuracy of their estimation of an object's hardness.

A Novel Mutation in ELOVL4 Leading to Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA) With the Hot Cross Bun Sign but Lacking Erythrokeratodermia: A Broadened Spectrum of SCA34

IMPORTANCE

Although mutations in 26 causative genes have been identified in the spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), the causative genes in a substantial number of families with SCA remain unidentified.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the causative gene of SCA in 2 Japanese families with distinct neurological symptoms and radiological presentations.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Clinical genetic study at a referral center of 11 members from 2 Japanese families, which started in 1997.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Results of neurological examinations and radiological evaluations. The causative mutation was identified using genome-wide linkage analysis and next-generation sequencing.

RESULTS

Affected members (9 of 11 members [81.8%]) showed slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia (all 9 members [100%]), ocular movement disturbance (all 9 members [100%]), and pyramidal tract signs (8 of 9 members [88.9%]) with an age at onset between the second and sixth decades of life. Besides cerebellar and pontine atrophy, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed the hot cross bun sign (4 of 6 members [66.7%]), pontine midline linear hyperintensity (2 of 6 members [33.3%]), or high intensity in the middle cerebellar peduncle (1 of 6 members [16.7%]), which are all reminiscent of multiple system atrophy in tested patients. Using linkage analysis combined with exome and whole-genome sequencing, we identified a novel heterozygous mutation in the ELOVL fatty acid elongase 4 (ELOVL4) gene (c.736T>G, p.W246G) in both families. Haplotype analysis indicated that it was unlikely that these 2 Japanese families shared a common ancestor. Although a missense mutation in ELOVL4 (c.504G>C, p.L168F) was recently reported to be associated with SCA with erythrokeratodermia variabilis (SCA34) in a French-Canadian family, signs of erythrokeratodermia variabilis were absent in our families.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Combined with the results of the family with SCA34 reported previously, this report confirms that mutations in ELOVL4 can cause dominantly inherited neurodegeneration severely affecting the cerebellum and brainstem. We should be aware that the presence of multiple system atrophy-like features on magnetic resonance imaging scans, together with cerebellar and brainstem atrophy, suggests SCA34, even when erythrokeratodermia variabilis is absent. The present study further broadened the spectrum of the clinical presentations of SCA34 associated with mutations in ELOVL4, which is involved in the biosynthesis of very long-chain fatty acids.

A report from the 2013 international symposium: the evaluation of the effects of low-dose radiation exposure in the life span study of atomic bomb survivors and other similar studies

The RERF International Low-Dose Symposium was held on 5-6 December 2013 at the RERF campus in Hiroshima, Japan, to discuss the issues facing the Life Span Study (LSS) and other low-dose studies. Topics included the current status of low-dose risk detection, strategies for low-dose epidemiological and statistical research, methods to improve communication between epidemiologists and biologists, and the current status of radiological studies and tools. Key points made by the participants included the necessity of pooling materials over multiple studies to gain greater insight where data from single studies are insufficient; generating models that reflect epidemiological, statistical, and biological principles simultaneously; understanding confounders and effect modifiers in the current data; and taking into consideration less studied factors such as the impact of dose rate. It is the hope of all participants that this symposium be used as a trigger for further studies, especially those using pooled data, in order to reach a greater understanding of the health effects of low-dose radiation.

Ion-induced gamma-ray detection of fast ions escaping from fusion plasmas

A 12 × 12 pixel detector has been developed and used in a laboratory experiment for lost fast-ion diagnostics. With gamma rays in the MeV range originating from nuclear reactions (9)Be(α, nγ)(12)C, (9)Be(d, nγ)(12)C, and (12)C(d, pγ)(13)C, a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector measured a fine-energy-resolved spectrum of gamma rays. The HPGe detector enables the survey of background-gamma rays and Doppler-shifted photo peak shapes. In the experiments, the pixel detector produces a gamma-ray image reconstructed from the energy spectrum obtained from total photon counts of irradiation passing through the detector's lead collimator. From gamma-ray image, diagnostics are able to produce an analysis of the fast ion loss onto the first wall in principle.

Contralateral lower trapezius transfer for restoration of shoulder external rotation in traumatic brachial plexus palsy: a preliminary report and literature review

The importance of external rotation of the shoulder is well accepted. Patients with inadequate recovery of shoulder function after nerve transfers for a brachial plexus injury have difficulty in using their reconstructed limb. The options for secondary procedures to improve shoulder function are often limited, especially if the spinal accessory nerve has been used earlier for nerve transfer or as a donor nerve for a free functioning muscle transfer. We have used the contralateral lower trapezius transfer to the infraspinatus in three cases, to restore shoulder external rotation. All patients had significant improvement in shoulder external rotation (mean 97°; range 80°-110°) and improved disability of the arm, shoulder and hand scores. The rotation occurred mainly at the glenohumeral joint, and was independent of the donor side. All patients were greatly satisfied with the outcome. Contralateral lower trapezius transfer appears to help in overall improvement of shoulder function by stabilizing the scapula. The results have remained stable after mean follow-up of 58 months (range 12-86). No donor site deficit was seen in any patient.

Modified osteotomy (Kanaya's procedure) for congenital proximal radioulnar synostosis with posterior dislocation of radial head

Outcomes of Kanaya's procedure for congenital proximal radioulnar synostosis varied depending on the type of radial head dislocation. In our series of 14 patients with 17 forearms who underwent Kanaya's original procedure, the postoperative total rotation arc of the forearm was unsatisfactory in cases with posterior radial head dislocation. We examined the outcomes with respect to the type of radial head dislocation and radial shaft curvature. Radial shafts with a posterior radial head dislocation had only one curve and the radii of the curve were statistically smaller than those in anterior dislocated or enlocated heads, which had two curves. As a result, we modified the osteotomy site for proximal radioulnar synostosis with posterior radial head dislocation and achieved improved forearm rotation and physiological rotation of the radial head in our latest two cases.

A recurrent de novo FAM111A mutation causes Kenny-Caffey syndrome type 2

Kenny-Caffey syndrome (KCS) is a rare dysmorphologic syndrome characterized by proportionate short stature, cortical thickening and medullary stenosis of tubular bones, delayed closure of anterior fontanelle, eye abnormalities, and hypoparathyroidism. The autosomal dominant form of KCS (KCS type 2 [KCS2]) is distinguished from the autosomal recessive form of KCS (KCS type 1 [KCS1]), which is caused by mutations of the tubulin-folding cofactor E (TBCE) gene, by the absence of mental retardation. In this study, we recruited four unrelated Japanese patients with typical sporadic KCS2, and performed exome sequencing in three patients and their parents to elucidate the molecular basis of KCS2. The possible candidate genes were explored by a de novo mutation detection method. A single gene, FAM111A (NM_001142519.1), was shared among three families. An identical missense mutation, R569H, was heterozygously detected in all three patients but not in the unaffected family members. This mutation was also found in an additional unrelated patient. These findings are in accordance with those of a recent independent report by a Swiss group that KCS2 is caused by a de novo mutation of FAM111A, and R569H is a hot spot mutation for KCS2. Although the function of FAM111A is not known, this study would provide evidence that FAM111A is a key molecule for normal bone development, height gain, and parathyroid hormone development and/or regulation.

Rapid detection of expanded short tandem repeats in personal genomics using hybrid sequencing

Motivation: Long expansions of short tandem repeats (STRs), i.e. DNA repeats of 2–6 nt, are associated with some genetic diseases. Cost-efficient high-throughput sequencing can quickly produce billions of short reads that would be useful for uncovering disease-associated STRs. However, enumerating STRs in short reads remains largely unexplored because of the difficulty in elucidating STRs much longer than 100 bp, the typical length of short reads.

Results: We propose ab initio procedures for sensing and locating long STRs promptly by using the frequency distribution of all STRs and paired-end read information. We validated the reproducibility of this method using biological replicates and used it to locate an STR associated with a brain disease (SCA31). Subsequently, we sequenced this STR site in 11 SCA31 samples using SMRT^TM sequencing (Pacific Biosciences), determined 2.3–3.1 kb sequences at nucleotide resolution and revealed that (TGGAA)- and (TAAAATAGAA)-repeat expansions determined the instability of the repeat expansions associated with SCA31. Our method could also identify common STRs, (AAAG)- and (AAAAG)-repeat expansions, which are remarkably expanded at four positions in an SCA31 sample. This is the first proposed method for rapidly finding disease-associated long STRs in personal genomes using hybrid sequencing of short and long reads.

Availability and implementation: Our TRhist software is available at http://trhist.gi.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/.

Contact:moris@cb.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

ERBB4 mutations that disrupt the neuregulin-ErbB4 pathway cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis type 19

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurological disorder characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons and typically results in death within 3-5 years from onset. Familial ALS (FALS) comprises 5%-10% of ALS cases, and the identification of genes associated with FALS is indispensable to elucidating the molecular pathogenesis. We identified a Japanese family affected by late-onset, autosomal-dominant ALS in which mutations in genes known to be associated with FALS were excluded. A whole- genome sequencing and parametric linkage analysis under the assumption of an autosomal-dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance revealed the mutation c.2780G>A (p. Arg927Gln) in ERBB4. An extensive mutational analysis revealed the same mutation in a Canadian individual with familial ALS and a de novo mutation, c.3823C>T (p. Arg1275Trp), in a Japanese simplex case. These amino acid substitutions involve amino acids highly conserved among species, are predicted as probably damaging, and are located within a tyrosine kinase domain (p. Arg927Gln) or a C-terminal domain (p. Arg1275Trp), both of which mediate essential functions of ErbB4 as a receptor tyrosine kinase. Functional analysis revealed that these mutations led to a reduced autophosphorylation of ErbB4 upon neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) stimulation. Clinical presentations of the individuals with mutations were characterized by the involvement of both upper and lower motor neurons, a lack of obvious cognitive dysfunction, and relatively slow progression. This study indicates that disruption of the neuregulin-ErbB4 pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of ALS and potentially paves the way for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies such using NRGs or their agonists to upregulate ErbB4 functions.

Exome analysis reveals a Japanese family with spinocerebellar ataxia, autosomal recessive 1

Spinocerebellar ataxia autosomal recessive 1 (SCAR1/AOA2) is clinically characterized by an early-onset progressive cerebellar ataxia with axonal neuropathy, ocular motor apraxia, and elevation of serum alpha-fetoprotein level. The disorder is caused by mutations in senataxin (SETX) gene. Here, we report a Japanese SCAR1/AOA2 family with a homozygous nonsense mutation (p.Q1441X) of SETX that was identified by exome sequencing. The family was previously reported as early-onset ataxia of undetermined cause. The present study emphasized the role of whole exome-sequence analysis to establish the molecular diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease presenting with diverse clinical presentations.

[Cardiac surgery for patients with ventricular dysfunction]

Coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis/regurgitation may cause irreversible myocardial damage, resulting in significant heart failure. Although the ultimate treatment of the end-stage heart failure is heart transplantation or ventricular assist devices, in most cases these patients still have some amount of functional and survival benefit by simple surgical treatment such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve replacement. However it is associated with significant perioperative mortality and morbidity.

Formation of NaCl-type monodeuteride LaD by the disproportionation reaction of LaD2

Previous x-ray diffraction measurements revealed the pressure-induced decomposition of an fcc LaH2.3 into H-rich and H-poor fcc phases around 11 GPa. The present neutron diffraction measurements on LaD2 confirm the formation of NaCl-type LaD as a counterpart of the D-rich LaD2+δ by disproportionation. First-principles enthalpy and lattice dynamic calculations demonstrate that the NaCl-type LaH is stabilized at high pressures and can be recovered at ambient conditions. Finding the NaCl-type LaH will pave the way for investigations on the site-dependent nature of hydrogen-metal interactions.

Expression and translocation of aquaporin-2 in the endolymphatic sac in patients with Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease, characterised by episodic vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss and tinnitus, can occur under conditions of stress. Its pathology was first revealed to be inner ear hydrops through temporal bone studies in 1938. Although its pathogenesis has been proposed to be a disorder of water transport in the inner ear, subsequently, it remains unsolved, until now. A recent study revealed that both plasma stress hormone, vasopressin (pAVP) and its receptor, V2 (V2R) expression in the inner ear endolymphatic sac were significantly higher in Meniere's patients. In the present study, to link V2R-related molecules and inner ear hydrops, we examined V2R-linked water channel molecule, aquaporin-2 (AQP2) expression and translocation in human endolymphatic sac. AQP2 mRNA expression in the endolymphatic sac was significantly higher in Meniere's patients by using real-time polymerase chain reaction, as further confirmed by western blotting. AQP2-like immunoreactivity (-LIR) was translocated from luminal to basolateral side with endosomal trapping in the endolymphatic sac at the time of AVP exposure in human endolymphatic sac tissue culture. The similar AQP2-LIR translocation was also demonstrated by forskolin and blocked by vasopressin/V2R specific antagonist, OPC31260 and protein kinase A (PKA) specific antagonists, H-89 and KT-5720. We concluded that in the pathogenesis of inner ear hydrops resulting in Meniere's attacks, pAVP elevation as a result of stress and subsequent V2R-cAMP-PKA-AQP2 activation and endosomal trapping of AQP2 in the endolymphatic sac, might be important as a basis of this disease. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to better clarify the neuroscientific relationship between stress and Meniere's disease.

Experimental encephalomyocarditis virus infection in small laboratory rodents

Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is a cardiovirus that belongs to the family Picornaviridae. EMCV is an important cause of acute myocarditis in piglets and of fetal death or abortion in pregnant sows. Small rodents, especially rats, have been suspected to be reservoir hosts or carriers. This virus also induces type 1 diabetes mellitus, encephalomyelitis, myocarditis, orchitis and/or sialodacryoadenitis in small laboratory rodents. This paper reviews the pathology and pathogenesis of experimental infection with EMCV in small laboratory rodents.

Enhanced initial bone regeneration with inorganic polyphosphate-adsorbed hydroxyapatite

Inorganic polyphosphate (poly(P)) can promote binding between fibroblast growth factors and their receptors and enhance osteoblastic cell differentiation and calcification. This study evaluated the possibilities for poly(P) adsorbed onto interconnected porous calcium hydroxyapatite (IP-CHA) as a new bone regeneration material. Prepared 1%, 5%, 25% and 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA composites showed the elution peak of poly(P) between 15 and 20 min, respectively, with the highest value from 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA in vitro. Histologically, at 1 week of placement into the femur of rabbits, granulation tissue had penetrated into the pores in all composites and IP-CHA as a control. In contrast, at 2 weeks of placement, newly formed lamellar bone was found in all groups, although a higher amount of bone regeneration was obviously formed in the 25% and 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA with a significantly higher value of bone regeneration ratio of 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA. These results indicate that 25% and 50% poly(P)/IP-CHA composites may enhance initial bone regeneration.

Etoposide induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis in neural progenitor cells via DNA damage and an ATM/p53-related pathway

Etoposide (VP-16), an anti-tumor agent, is a topoisomerase II inhibitor that causes DNA damage. In our previous studies, it was shown that VP-16 induces S-phase accumulation and G2/M arrest, eventually resulting in apoptosis, through p53-related pathway in the mouse fetal brain. We injected 4 mg/kg of VP-16 into pregnant mice on day 12 of gestation, and the fetuses were investigated for the cell cycle checkpoint and mechanism of apoptosis. The transition of the neural progenitor cells in the fetuses was delayed as compared to that in the control, and most of the apoptotic cells were BrdU positive. VP-16-induced S-phase accumulation was brought about by the acceleration of G1/S transition rather than by the inhibition of S-phase progression. Phosphorylation of ataxia telangiectasia-mutated kinase (ATM) at Ser1981 and gammaH2AX after VP-16 treatment showed DNA damage. p53 was phosphorylated at Ser15 and 20 and increased after activation of the ATM kinase pathway. Cdc25A degradation might induce the inhibition of S-phase progression. It is supposed that an increase in cyclin A might accelerate G1/S progression. It is also indicated that VP-16-induced G2/M arrest is caused by p21, which inactivates cyclin B-Cdc2 complex and eventually prevents mitotic entry. In p53-deficient fetal brains, G2/M and apoptosis were almost abrogated, although S-phase accumulation still occurred. It is suggested that VP-16 induced p53-independent S-phase accumulation, and p53-dependent G2/M arrest and apoptosis of the neural progenitor cells in fetal mouse brain.