Giant spin polarization and a pair of antiparallel spins in a chiral superconductor

Chiral molecules can exhibit spin-selective charge emission, which is known as chirality-induced spin selectivity^1,2. Despite the constituent light elements of the molecules, their spin polarization can approach or even exceed that of typical ferromagnets. This powerful capability may lead to applications in the chiral spintronics² field. Although the origin of spin selectivity is elusive, two microscopic phenomena have been suggested based on experimental results: effective enhancement of spin-orbit interactions³ and chirality represented by a pair of oppositely polarized spins^4,5. However, the hypotheses remain to be verified. Here we report the simultaneous observation of these two phenomena in an organic chiral superconductor by magnetoresistance measurements in the vicinity of the superconducting transition temperature. A pair of oppositely polarized spins is demonstrated by spatially mapping the spin polarity in an electric alternating current excitation. The obtained spin polarization exceeds that of the Edelstein effect^6-10 by several orders of magnitude, which indicates an effective enhancement of the spin-orbit interaction. Our results demonstrate a solid-state analogue of spin accumulations assumed for chiral molecules, and may provide clues to the origin of their molecular counterparts. In addition, the innovative capability of spin-current sourcing will invigorate superconducting spintronics research¹¹.

Myositis with sarcoplasmic inclusions in Nakajo-Nishimura syndrome: a genetic inflammatory myopathy

AIMS

Nakajo-Nishimura syndrome (NNS) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by biallelic mutations in the PSMB8 gene that encodes the immunoproteasome subunit β5i. There have been only a limited number of reports on the clinicopathological features of the disease in genetically confirmed cases.

METHODS

We studied clinical and pathological features of three NNS patients who all carry the homozygous p.G201V mutations in PSMB8. Patients' muscle specimens were analysed with histology and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

All patients had episodes of typical periodic fever and skin rash, and later developed progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, similar to previous reports. Oral corticosteroid was used for treatment but showed no obvious efficacy. On muscle pathology, lymphocytes were present in the endomysium surrounding non-necrotic fibres, as well as in the perimysium perivascular area. Nearly all fibres strongly expressed MHC-I in the sarcolemma. In the eldest patient, there were abnormal protein aggregates in the sarcoplasm, immunoreactive to p62, TDP-43 and ubiquitin antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that inflammation, inclusion pathology and aggregation of abnormal proteins underlie the progressive clinical course of the NNS pathomechanism.

Interleukin-25 is involved in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma progression by establishing a T helper 2-dominant microenvironment

BACKGROUND

Interleukin (IL)-25 is a member of the IL-17 family, which can promote and augment T-helper (Th) type 2 responses. The expression of IL-25 and its cognate receptor, IL-25 receptor (IL-25R), is upregulated and correlated with disease activity in Th2-associated diseases.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the expression and function of IL-25 in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

METHODS

Expression and location of IL-25 in lesional skin was investigated with immunohistochemistry. The effect of various cytokines on IL-25 production from normal human epidermal keratinocytes was assessed by quantitative reverse-transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum IL-25 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The direct effect of IL-25 on tumour cells was also examined using CTCL cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with Sézary syndrome.

RESULTS

IL-25 expression was increased in epidermal keratinocytes in lesional skin of CTCL. Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13, and periostin induced IL-25 expression by normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Serum IL-25 levels were increased in patients with advanced CTCL and correlated with serum lactate dehydrogenase levels. MyLa cells expressed IL-25R and its expression was augmented by stimulation with IL-25. IL-25 enhanced IL-13 production from MyLa cells via phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from one patient with Sézary syndrome expressed IL-25R and showed increase of IL-13 production by IL-25.

CONCLUSIONS

Th2 cytokines highly expressed in CTCL lesional skin induce IL-25 production by epidermal keratinocytes, which may, in turn, lead to formation of a Th2-dominant microenvironment through the direct induction of IL-13 by tumour cells.

Mesenchymal stem/progenitor cell isolation from tooth extraction sockets

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (BMSCs) are commonly used in regeneration therapy. The current primary source of BMSCs is the iliac crest; however, the procedure is associated with various burdens on the patient, including the risk of pain and infection. Hence, the possibility to collect BMSCs from other, more accessible, sources would be an attractive approach. It is well known that stem cells migrate from surrounding tissues and play important roles in wound healing. We thus hypothesized that stem/progenitor cells could be isolated from granulation tissue in the dental socket, and we subsequently collected granulation tissue from dog dental socket 3 d after tooth extraction. After enzyme digestion of the collected tissue, the cells forming colonies constituted the dental socket-derived stem/progenitor cells (dDSCs). Next, dDSCs were compared with dog BMSCs (dBMSCs) for phenotype characterization. A flow cytometric analysis showed that dDSCs were positive for CD44, CD90, and CD271 but negative for CD34 and CD45, similar to dBMSCs. dDSCs also exhibited osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation ability, similar to dBMSCs, with a higher capacity for colony formation, proliferation, and motility than dBMSCs. In addition, an in vivo ectopic bone formation assay showed that dDSCs and dBMSCs both induced hard tissue formation, although only dDSCs formed a fibrous tissue-like structure connected to the newly formed bone. Finally, we tested the ability of dDSCs to regenerate periodontal tissue in a one-wall defect model. The defects in the dDSC-transplanted group (β-TCP/PGA/dDSCs) were regenerated with cementum-like and periodontal ligament-like tissues and alveolar bone, whereas only bony tissue was observed in the control group (β-TCP/PGA). In conclusion, we identified and characterized a population of stem/progenitor cells in granulation tissue obtained from the dental socket that exhibited several characteristics similar to those of BMSCs. Dental sockets could therefore be a novel source for isolating stem/progenitor cells from bone.

Nonbifurcating cervical carotid artery diagnosed by MR angiography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A nonbifurcating cervical carotid artery is a branching anomaly in which the ECA has no proximal main trunk. We report its incidence and characteristic features on MRA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed MRAs of 2866 patients obtained by using a standard noncontrast MRA protocol and two 1.5T MR imaging units and reviewed the English language literature to assess the occurrence and features of this nonbifurcating artery.

RESULTS

We diagnosed 6 cases, indicating an incidence of 0.21%, and found 11 cases reported in the literature. Analysis of all 17 cases demonstrated no laterality or sex predominance. The most prevalent pattern of branching order from proximal to distal was the F-L trunk, the distal trunk of the ECA, and the OA.

CONCLUSIONS

A nonbifurcating cervical carotid artery is rare but not as extremely rare as previously considered, and its correct diagnosis is necessary to avoid complications during interventional radiologic procedures or head and neck surgeries.

Intron sequences from the CCT7 gene exhibit diverse evolutionary histories among the four lineages within the Babesia microti-group, a genetically related species complex that includes human pathogens

Babesia microti, the primary causal agent of human babesiosis in North America, was thought to distribute in Europe in association with ixodid ticks and rodents. Recent analyses of β-tubulin and the eta subunit of the chaperonin-containing t-complex protein 1 (CCT7) genes revealed discrete clusters (a species-complex comprised of at least 4 taxa for the U.S., Kobe, Munich, and Hobetsu). To further assess the micro-evolutionary history and genetic variability within the taxon, we combined a set of 6 introns from the CCT7 gene to use as a rapidly evolving DNA marker. Phylogenetic and comparative sequence analyses subdivided the U.S. taxon into 3 geographic subclades--North America, western to central Eurasia, and northeastern Eurasia (≥ 98% bootstrap supports for each node). The Kobe taxon, which occurs only in a few geographic foci of Japan, could further be subdivided into 2 subgroups (100% support). The Munich and Hobetsu taxa, common to Europe and Japan, respectively, exhibited little or no pairwise sequence divergence among geographically diverse samples, suggesting an extreme population bottleneck during recent history. Despite the small sample size, this study provides a better understanding of the micro-evolutionary relationships and the genetic variability present within each lineage of the B. microti-group.

IL-8 and MCP-1 induced by excessive orthodontic force mediates odontoclastogenesis in periodontal tissues

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate how interleukin (IL)-8 (cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant; CINC-1) and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1/CCL2 contribute to root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty 6-week-old male Wistar rats were subjected to orthodontic force of 10 or 50 g to induce a mesially tipping movement of the upper first molars for 7 days. We determined the expressions of CINC-1, CXCR2, and MCP-1 proteins in root resorption area using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of compression forces (CF) on IL-8 and MCP-1 production by human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells. We observed an effect of chemokine treatment on rat odonto/osteoclasts in dentin slices that recapitulated root resorption.

RESULTS

The immunoreactivity for CINC-1/CXCR2 and MCP-1 was detected in odontoclasts and PDL fibroblasts by the orthodontic force of 50 g on day 7. CF increased the secretion and the expression of mRNA of IL-8 and MCP-1 from PDL cells in a magnitude-dependent manner. Moreover, CINC-1 and MCP-1 stimulated osteoclastogenesis from rat osteoclast precursor cells.

CONCLUSION

IL-8 (CINC-1) and MCP-1 may therefore facilitate the process of root resorption because of excessive orthodontic force.

Effects of relaxin on collagen type I released by stretched human periodontal ligament cells

OBJECTIVES

Relapse of teeth that have moved during orthodontic treatment is a major clinical issue with respect to the goals of successful treatment. Such relapse is a physiologic response of the supporting tissues to application of force, and is mainly attributed to occlusal instability and increased mechanical tension exerted by the periodontal ligament (PDL). Relaxin, a member of the insulin/relaxin family of structurally related hormones, has an influence on many physiologic processes, such as collagen turnover, angiogenesis, and antifibrosis. Therefore, relaxin may also affect orthodontic tooth movement through alterations of the PDL, though little is known regarding the relationship between relaxin and stretched human PDL (hPDL) cells. In the present study, we investigated the effects of relaxin on the expression of collagen type I (Col-I) and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) in stretched hPDL cells in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The release and gene expression of Col-I, as well as those of MMP-1 in stretched hPDL cells treated with relaxin were investigated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time PCR methods.

RESULTS

Relaxin decreased the release and gene expression of Col-I, and increased those of MMP-1 by stretched hPDL cells in a magnitude-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that relaxin modulates collagen metabolism in stretched hPDL cells via the release and expression of Col-I and MMP-1. This hormone may be useful to prevent orthodontic relapse following orthodontic treatment.

Babesia microti-group parasites compared phylogenetically by complete sequencing of the CCTeta gene in 36 isolates

Babesia microti, the erythroparasitic cause of human babesiosis, has long been taken to be a single species because classification by parasite morphology and host spectrum blurred distinctions between the parasites. Phylogenetic analyses of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (18S rDNA) and, more recently, the beta-tubulin gene have suggested inter-group heterogeneity. Intra-group relationships, however, remain unknown. This study was conducted to clarify the intra- and inter-group phylogenetic features of the B. microti-group parasites with the eta subunit of the chaperonin-containing t-complex polypeptide l (CCTeta) gene as a candidate genetic marker for defining the B. microti group. We prepared complete sequences of the CCTeta gene from 36 piroplasms and compared the phylogenetic trees. The B. microti-group parasites clustered in a monophyletic assemblage separate from the Babesia sensu stricto and Theileria genera and subdivided predominantly into 4 clades (U.S., Kobe, Hobetsu, Munich) with highly significant evolutionary distances between the clades. B. rodhaini branched at the base of the B. microti-group parasites. In addition, a unique intron presence/absence matrix not observable in 18S rDNA or beta-tubulin set the B. microti group entirely apart from either Babesia sensu stricto or Theileria. These results have strong implications for public health, suggesting that the B. microti-group parasites are a full-fledged genus comprising, for now, four core species, i.e., U.S., Kobe, Hobetsu, and Munich species nova. Furthermore, the CCTeta gene is an instructive and definitive genetic marker for analyzing B. microti and related parasites.

Molecular evidence for the presence of new Babesia species in feral raccoons (Procyon lotor) in Hokkaido, Japan

We recently reported that feral raccoons (Procyon lotor) with splenomegaly native to Japan were carriers of a Babesia microti-like parasite identical to that found in the United States, which was likely introduced to Japan from North America via raccoons imported as pets. Thus, we attempted extensive molecular survey for piroplasma infections of feral raccoon with normal spleen in Hokkaido, Japan using nested PCR that target broadly to 18S ribosomal RNA gene (SSU-rDNA) of all the parasites in the genus Babesia, Theileria, Cytauxzoon and B. microti group. Of the 348 raccoon samples analyzed, 9 gave positive signals. Cloning and phylogenetic analysis on SSU-rDNA sequences revealed that six of nine positives were found to be infected with Babesia and the remaining three with previously unreported Sarcocystis. Babesia sequences were further separated into two distantly related groups, those that reside in a novel phylogenetic group were consisted solely of four parasites found in this study, while those which included one identical sequence found in the three of our specimens were assembled together with both Babesia parasites of tick's in Japan and of raccoon's in U.S. These results may indicate that not only a B. microti-like parasite but also at least two yet undescribed Babesia species are being established in their new life cycles in the feral raccoon populations in Japan.

Babesia rodhaini: the protective effect of pyruvate kinase deficiency in mice

Despite the evidence suggesting that mouse pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency provides protection against malaria in rodents, there has been no investigation of a parallel protective effect against babesiosis caused by Babesia rodhaini. Here, we examined whether a PK-deficient co-isogenic mouse strain (CBA-Pk-1(slc)) was protected against B. rodhaini infection. We demonstrated that deficiency in pyruvate kinase correlated with a significant protective effect, with survival rates of 50%, 58% and 56% in groups inoculated with 10, 10(3) and 10(5) parasitized erythrocytes, respectively. In contrast, control CBA (CBA-Pk-1(+)) mice exhibited 100% lethality, regardless of the infectious dose. In addition, CBA-Pk-1(slc) mice showed decreased levels of parasitemia when compared to CBA-Pk-1(+) mice, in groups given 10, 10(3) or 10(5) parasitized erythrocytes. These results indicate that similar to PK deficiency in rodents, PK deficiency in mice affects the in vivo growth of B. rodhaini and protects the mice from lethal babesiosis.

Babesia microti-like parasites detected in Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris orientis) in Hokkaido, Japan

Six Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris orientis), victims of road traffic found during 2002 and 2004 near the Noppro Forest Park in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan, were examined for the presence of Babesia parasites. Three of the six squirrels exhibited positive signals by nested PCRs targeting both the 18S rRNA and beta-tubulin genes. Three squirrels proved to be infected with a B. microti-like parasite as evidenced by sequencing the amplified DNAs and by the morphology of the intraerythrocytic parasites. Genotypically, however, the parasite appeared to be of a new type, as it was clearly distinguishable from any of the known types that have previously been reported in various wild animals. This is the first report showing molecular evidence for the presence of B. microti-like parasites in Sciuridae.

Levels of RANKL and OPG in gingival crevicular fluid during orthodontic tooth movement and effect of compression force on releases from periodontal ligament cells in vitro

OBJECTIVE

To determine the levels of the receptor activator of NFkB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during orthodontic tooth movement. A second objective was to investigate the effect of compression force on RANKL and OPG production from human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells.

DESIGN

Ten adolescent patients were included. GCF was collected at the distal cervical margins of the experimental and control teeth 0, 1, 24, and 168 h after the retracting force was applied. Thisin vitro study was performed to examine the secretion of RANKL and OPG from hPDL cells following a compression force (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 g/cm(2) for 48 h). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to determine RANKL and OPG levels in the GCF and the conditioned medium.

RESULTS

GCF levels of RANKL were significantly higher, and the levels of OPG significantly lower, in the experimental canines than in the control teeth at 24 h, but there were no such significant differences at 0, 1, or 168 h. In vitro study indicated that the compression force significantly increased the secretion of RANKL and decreased that of OPG in hPDL cells in a time- and force magnitude-dependent manner. The compression-stimulated secretion of RANKL increased approximately 16.7-fold and that of OPG decreased 2.9-fold, as compared with the control.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained suggest that the changes of amount of RANKL and OPG may be involved in bone resorption as a response to compression force.

Perforated appendicitis causing thigh emphysema: a case report

We report a case of thigh emphysema resulting from perforated appendicitis. The patient was an 83-year-old man who had no apparent abdominal signs and was initially misdiagnosed as having psoas abscess. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis revealed appendicitis, and a barium enema showed a leakage of enhanced contrast material from the appendix region down into the thigh. A retroperitoneal perforation of the retrocaecal appendix without peritonitis was diagnosed. The patient underwent an appendectomy and curettage of the retroperitoneal and psoas muscle spaces, as well as the thigh. He recovered gradually, though the abscess had extended into the hip joint and resulted in osteomyelitis, requiring an additional procedure of resection arthroplasty. The patient fully recovered with no signs of infection one year postoperatively.

Reversible valence tautomerism induced by a single-shot laser pulse in a cobalt-iron Prussian blue analog

Reversible valence tautomeric conversion induced by a single-shot laser pulse (8 ns duration) with a photon excitation energy of 2.38 eV has been observed in Na0.36Co1.32Fe(CN)(6).5.6H(2)O. A photoswitching process with accompanying magnetization and color changes was successfully achieved within the pulse duration at high temperature (above 200 K) in a thermal hysteresis loop. This unusual photoeffect originates from an optical charge transfer between Fe and Co atoms and evolves due to a cooperative interaction among the local photoexcited sites.

A cyclic dodecapeptide-multiple-antigen peptide conjugate from the undecapeptidyl arch (from Arg(168) to Cys(178)) of extracellular loop 2 in CCR5 as a novel human immunodeficiency virus type 1 vaccine

A cyclic closed-chain dodecapeptide (cDDR5) mimicking the conformation-specific domain of CCR5 was prepared in which Gly-Asp, as a dipeptide forming a spacer arm, links the amino and carboxyl termini of the decapeptidyl linear chain (Arg(168) to Thr(177)) derived from the undecapeptidyl arch (UPA; Arg(168) to Cys(178)) of extracellular loop 2 (ECL2) in CCR5. Novel monoclonal antibodies were raised against cDDR5 conjugated with a multiple-antigen peptide (cDDR5-MAP), and the purified antibody [KB8C12, immunoglobulin M(kappa)] reacted with cDDR5, but not with linear DDR5, in real-time biomolecular interaction analysis using surface plasmon resonance. The antibody also reacted with cells expressing CCR5, but not with cells expressing CXCR4, and the immunoreaction was competed by cDDR5-MAP. The antibody significantly interfered with chemotaxis induced by macrophage inflammatory protein, 1beta, and at a concentration of 1.67 nM it almost completely inhibited infection by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) R5, but not by HIV-1 X4, as observed by use of a new phenotypic assay for drug susceptibility of HIV-1 using the CCR5-expressing HeLa CD4(+) cell clone 1-10 (MAGIC-5). Furthermore, cDDR5-MAP suppressed infection by HIV-1 R5 at relatively high concentrations (50 to 400 microM) in a dose-dependent manner but did not suppress infection by HIV-1 X4. Taken together, these results indicate that the antibody is conformation specific and recognizes the conformation-specific domain of the UPA of ECL2. Moreover, both the antibody and its immunogen, the cDDR5-MAP conjugate, may be useful in developing a new candidate vaccine for HIV therapy.

Consideration on peak shape in a batch-type chemiluminescence detection cell for capillary electrophoresis

Peak areas, peak heights, and apparent theoretical plate numbers were examined as a function of sample injection times by use of the batch-type CL detection cell. Comparing the experimental data with those obtained by absorption detector, some considerations were carried out about the peak shape. The peak shape in CL detection was influenced by not only concentration distribution of sample in a sample zone but also sample diffusion and CL reaction at the capillary outlet. The sample injection time of ca. 35 s was recommended for the present CE with CL detector. The injection time much influenced peak shape as well as sensitivity in the CL detection cell.

Sensitive determination of metal ions by liquid chromatography with tris(2,2'-bipyridine) ruthenium (II) complex electrogenerated chemiluminescence detection

Emetine dithiocarbamate metal complex, which is prepared from emetine, carbon disulfide, and metal (II), was found to indicate a large chemiluminescence intensity on the electrogenerated chemiluminescence of tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II). Liquid chromatography equipped with the chemiluminescence detection was developed for analyzing trace metal ions by use of the metal complex formation. The mixture of the Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes as a model sample was injected into the LC system. The two metal complexes and an excess emetine were successfully separated. The Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes were determined over the range 1-300 nM (the detection limit of 650 fg) and 30-5000 nM (the detection limit of 17 pg), respectively.

Primary angioplasty for isolated right ventricular infarction

We describe a case of isolated right ventricular infarction that has rarely been diagnosed antemortem. Electrocardiogram showed ST segment elevation in left precordial chest, right precordial chest, and inferior leads, which mimicked those of anterior and inferior left ventricular infarction. Coronary angiography revealed that culprit lesion was totally occluded right coronary artery. Infarcted artery was nondominant right coronary artery with branches supplying only right ventricular wall. Restoration of coronary blood flow was obtained by primary stenting and resulted in prompt ST segment normalization in all leads. Despite extensive right ventricular wall motion abnormality, subsequent right ventricular dysfunction was not observed.

[Pressure wire guide provisional coronary stent implantation]

OBJECTIVES

Whether coronary artery lesion successfully dilated by balloon angioplasty should be stented or not is unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the provisional stent implantation method assessing residual ischemia by pressure wire.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients with de-novo lesions suitable for stenting were enrolled in a pressure wire guided provisional stent study. The pressure wire was used to assess the fractional flow reserve(FFR) before and after balloon angioplasty. When the FFR after angioplasty was less than 0.75, stent implantation was planned. Patients with lesions consisting of an intermediate stenosis proximal to the target lesion, chronic total occlusion, bypass graft and left main lesion were excluded from the study. Stent implantation was permitted even if the FFR was more than 0.75 when the operator thought stenting was necessary. Medical treatment was given with aspirin 162 mg/day, cilostazol 200 mg/day for 6 months and additional ticlopidine 200 mg/day for a month after stenting the lesion.

RESULTS

Target vessel was the left anterior descending coronary artery in 19 lesions, the right coronary artery in 3, and the circumflex coronary artery in 9. Stent implantation was performed in seven (23%) of 31 lesions and the other 24(77%) lesions were treated with only balloon angioplasty. The FFR before intervention was 0.58 +/- 0.16, and improved to 0.87 +/- 0.07 (p < 0.0001). Percentage diameter stenosis before intervention was 70.7 +/- 12.6% and improved to 20.1 +/- 13.3% (p < 0.0001) after intervention. There was no major cardiac event (death, coronary artery bypass grafting, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis). Six months follow-up angiography was performed in 27 patients (87%). Angiographic restenosis (percentage diameter stenosis > or = 50%) was found in four patients (15%). A new lesion was found in two patients. Target vessel revascularization was performed in six patients (21%).

CONCLUSIONS

Lesions successfully dilated by balloon angioplasty with FFR > or = 0.75 do not require stenting.

Patterson-Lowry rhizomelic dysplasia: a potentially lethal bone dysplasia?

We report a Japanese boy, who is considered as having Patterson-Lowry rhizomelic dysplasia, a rare, as yet undefined, skeletal dysplasia. The diagnosis was warranted by the constellation of skeletal abnormalities - mild platyspondyly, hypoplastic ilia, broad proximal femora with prominent lesser trochanters, mild brachymetacarpalia and, most importantly, rhizomelic shortening of the upper limbs with lateral bowing, medial cortical thickening, and medial metaphyseal notching of the humeri. Our patient, unlike previously reported patients, had respiratory distress and died suddenly of unknown cause in late infancy. Our experience may imply the heterogeneity or phenotypic variability of Patterson-Lowry rhizomelic dysplasia.