Design of hepadnavirus core protein-based chimeric virus-like particles carrying epitopes from respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most important pathogens causing respiratory tract infection in humans, especially in infants and the elderly. The identification and structural resolution of the potent neutralizing epitopes on RSV fusion (F) protein enable an "epitope-focused" vaccine design. However, the display of RSV F epitope II on the surface of the widely-used human hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBcAg) has failed to induce neutralizing antibody response in mice. Here, we used the hepadnavirus core protein (HcAg) from different mammalian hosts as scaffolds to construct chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) presenting the RSV F epitope II. Mouse immunization showed that different HcAg-based chimeric VLPs elicited significantly different neutralizing antibody responses, among which the HcAg derived from roundleaf bat (RBHcAg) is the most immunogenic. Furthermore, RBHcAg was used as the scaffold platform to present multiple RSV F epitopes, and the immunogenicity was further improved in comparison to that displaying a single epitope II. The designed RBHcAg-based multiple-epitope-presenting VLP formulated with MF59-like adjuvant elicited a potent and balanced Th1/Th2 immune response, and offered substantial protection in mice against the challenge of live RSV A2 virus. The designed chimeric VLPs may serve as the potential starting point for developing epitope-focused vaccines against RSV. Our study also demonstrated that RBHcAg is an effective VLP carrier for presenting foreign epitopes, providing a promising platform for epitope-focused vaccine design.

Chimeric virus-like particles of human norovirus constructed by structure-guided epitope grafting elicit cross-reactive immunity against both GI.1 and GII.4 genotypes

IMPORTANCE

Human norovirus (HuNoV) is highly infectious and can result in severe illnesses in the elderly and children. So far, there is no effective antiviral drug to treat HuNoV infection, and thus, the development of HuNoV vaccines is urgent. However, NoV evolves rapidly, and currently, at least 10 genogroups with numerous genotypes have been found. The genetic diversity of NoV and the lack of cross-protection between different genotypes pose challenges to the development of broadly protective vaccines. In this study, guided by structural alignment between GI.1 and GII.4 HuNoV VP1 proteins, several chimeric-type virus-like particles (VLPs) were designed through surface-exposed loop grafting. Mouse immunization studies show that two of the designed chimeric VLPs induced cross-immunity against both GI.1 and GII.4 HuNoVs. To our knowledge, this is the first designed chimeric VLPs that can induce cross-immune activities across different genogroups of HuNoV, which provides valuable strategies for the development of cross-reactive HuNoV vaccines.

A mosaic-type trimeric RBD-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate induces potent neutralization against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants

Large-scale populations in the world have been vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines, however, breakthrough infections of SARS-CoV-2 are still growing rapidly due to the emergence of immune-evasive variants, especially Omicron. It is urgent to develop effective broad-spectrum vaccines to better control the pandemic of these variants. Here, we present a mosaic-type trimeric form of spike receptor-binding domain (mos-tri-RBD) as a broad-spectrum vaccine candidate, which carries the key mutations from Omicron and other circulating variants. Tests in rats showed that the designed mos-tri-RBD, whether used alone or as a booster shot, elicited potent cross-neutralizing antibodies against not only Omicron but also other immune-evasive variants. Neutralizing antibody ID50 titers induced by mos-tri-RBD were substantially higher than those elicited by homo-tri-RBD (containing homologous RBDs from prototype strain) or the BIBP inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (BBIBP-CorV). Our study indicates that mos-tri-RBD is highly immunogenic, which may serve as a broad-spectrum vaccine candidate in combating SARS-CoV-2 variants including Omicron.

Evolution of the interactions between GII.4 noroviruses and histo-blood group antigens: Insights from experimental and computational studies

Norovirus (NoV) is the major pathogen causing the outbreaks of the viral gastroenteritis across the world. Among the various genotypes of NoV, GII.4 is the most predominant over the past decades. GII.4 NoVs interact with the histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) to invade the host cell, and it is believed that the receptor HBGAs may play important roles in selecting the predominate variants by the nature during the evolution of GII.4 NoVs. However, the evolution-induced changes in the HBGA-binding affinity for the GII.4 NoV variants and the mechanism behind the evolution of the NoV-HBGA interactions remain elusive. In the present work, the virus-like particles (VLPs) of the representative GII.4 NoV stains epidemic in the past decades were expressed by using the Hansenula polymorpha yeast expression platform constructed by our laboratory, and then the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based HBGA-binding assays as well as the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations combined with the molecular mechanics/generalized born surface area (MMGBSA) calculations were performed to investigate the interactions between various GII.4 strains and different types of HBGAs. The HBGA-binding assays show that for all the studied types of HBGAs, the evolution of GII.4 NoVs results in the increased NoV-HBGA binding affinities, where the early epidemic strains have the lower binding activity and the newly epidemic strains exhibit relative stronger binding intensity. Based on the MD simulation and MMGBSA calculation results, a physical mechanism that accounts for the increased HBGA-binding affinity was proposed. The evolution-involved residue mutations cause the conformational rearrangements of loop-2 (residues 390–396), which result in the narrowing of the receptor-binding pocket and thus tighten the binding of the receptor HBGAs. Our experimental and computational studies are helpful for better understanding the mechanism behind the evolution-induced increasing of HBGA-binding affinity, which may provide useful information for the drug and vaccine designs against GII.4 NoVs.

Human norovirus (NoV) has been recognized as the leading cause of the epidemic acute gastroenteritis worldwide and more than 50% acute gastroenteritis outbreaks are associated with NoVs. NoVs are highly infectious and may result in serious dehydration, malnutrition and even death, which severely threatens human health and brings heavy economic burden. NoVs are highly genetically diverse, in which the GII.4 genotype is the most predominant. The reported outbreaks of NoV infections have risen sharply from 2002, and it is suggested that the increasing NoV infections are attributed to the emergence of new strains with more infectiousness. GII.4 NoV evolves rapidly and on average every 2–3 years a new strain appears. It has been revealed that the histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) serve as the recognition receptor for the GII.4 NoVs infecting the host cell, and the NoV-HBGA interactions may play an important role in selecting the predominate variants during the evolution of GII.4 NoVs. However, the molecular mechanism behind the evolution of the NoV-HBGA binding affinities is still not clear. In this work, the representative GII.4 NoV strains prevalent in the past decades were expressed, and the changes in the interactions between these strains and the receptor HBGAs were investigated by using the experimental measurements combined with computational simulations. Based on the experimental and computational results, a molecular mechanism that accounts for the increasing of the NoV-HBGA binding affinities during the evolution of GII.4 NoVs was proposed. Our studies are helpful for the understanding of the evolution mechanism of GII.4 NoVs and provide valuable information for the drug and vaccine designs against GII.4 NoVs.

Hallermann-Streiff syndrome associated with small cerebellum, endocrinopathy and increased chromosomal breakage

Hallermann-Streiff syndrome (HSS) is a rare clinic entity of unknown aetiology. Further clinical and metabolic-genetic evaluations are indicated. A 2-mo-old female baby presented with ocular abnormalities and severe failure to thrive since birth. The clinical features were compatible with the diagnosis of HSS. Further imaging, metabolic and cytogenetic examinations were performed. Features characteristic of HSS were dyscephaly with mandibular and nasal cartilage hypoplasia, microphthalmia, bilateral cataracts with congenital glaucoma, natal teeth and proportionate dwarfism. Rare anomalies such as choanal atresia and small cerebellum, very low insulin-like growth factor I level, hypothyroidism, generalized organic aciduria were also noticed. An increased chromosomal breakage rate is suggestive of the existence of some DNA repair defects in HSS patients.

CONCLUSION

The associated anomalies in this patient may broaden the clinical spectrum of HSS. Underlying conditions of organic aciduria, growth factor deficiency and impaired DNA repair are likely to contribute to the progeria-like facies, congenital cataracts and growth failure.

Can physicians' admission evaluation of patients' status help to identify patients requiring social work interventions?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of these physicians' initial clinical assessments in identifying patients admitted from their homes who subsequently require social work intervention for discharge planning.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review of discharge disposition correlated with a prospective physician evaluation of patients.

SETTING

An academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Consecutive patients, (2,571) men and women, admitted at the New York Hospital between July 1, 1997 and October 31, 1997.

MEASUREMENT

Prospective evaluation of clinical status, functional status, illness severity and stability by physicians within 24 hours of admission.

RESULTS

Older patients, sicker and less functional, have higher needs for social work intervention (P < 0.001). New nursing home placement patients were older and had worse function (P < 0.001). Total cost of hospitalization and length of stay were predicted by discharge disposition.

CONCLUSION

Early discharge intervention has often been targeted as a potential mechanism to lower hospitalization cost and reduce length of stay. Age and physician evaluation of functional status at admission may provide early identification of those who require social work assistance.

Autoimmune thyroiditis in children with Turner syndrome

PURPOSE

To determine the frequency of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) and the risk of development of thyroid dysfunction in children with Turner syndrome.

METHODS

From 1988 to 1998, 77 children with Turner syndrome were prospectively followed up at National Taiwan University Hospital. The mean (+/- standard deviation) age of these patients was 10.0 +/- 4.7 years at diagnosis of Turner syndrome and 17.4 +/- 5.2 years at the end of the present study. Antithyroglobulin antibody, antimicrosomal antibody, and thyroid function were assessed once every 6 months during the study period.

RESULTS

Thyroid autoantibodies were detected in 21 of the 77 (27%) patients. The mean age at the detection of thyroid autoantibodies was 12.2 +/- 5.2 years. The cumulative frequency of AIT at 10 years after diagnosis of Turner syndrome was 36%. Both patients with a ring X chromosome developed AIT. Three of the 21 patients (14%) with AIT developed thyroid dysfunction. One patient developed hypothyroidism at the time of the detection of thyroid autoantibody. Two other patients were noted to have hyperthyroidism 0.5 and 2.5 years, after the detection of thyroid autoantibodies, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrated a high frequency of AIT in Taiwanese children with Turner syndrome. Some of these patients later developed thyroid dysfunction. Hence, this study has confirmed that regular follow-up assessment of thyroid autoantibody and thyroid function in Taiwanese children with Turner syndrome regardless of their age is necessary for timely diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction and administration of appropriate treatment.

Renal malformations in children with Turner's syndrome

Between 1988 and 1999, renal sonography and intravenous urography were performed to detect renal malformations in 54 patients with Turner's syndrome (TS). The mean age of these patients at diagnosis of TS was 9.2 +/- 4.6 years. Renal malformations were detected in 21 patients by intravenous urography and there was no significant difference in the frequency of renal malformations among different karyotype groups. Horseshoe kidney was the most common renal malformation, followed by duplex kidney. Fifteen of 21 renal malformations were not detected by renal sonography. We conclude that these TS patients had a high frequency of renal malformations, and that the detection rate of horseshoe kidney and duplex kidney by renal sonography was not satisfactory. Although renal sonography alone can be used to detect more severe renal malformations that may need further management, it may underestimate the frequency of renal malformation in children with TS.

Alstrom syndrome with hepatic dysfunction: report of one case

Alstrom syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder associated with early childhood retinopathy, progressive sensorineural hearing loss, truncal obesity, and acanthosis nigricans. We report a 10-year-old boy with Alstrom syndrome presenting with general malaise and abnormal liver function for 1 year. In addition to the above mentioned features, he also had hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. The mechanism responsible for the persistent elevation of liver enzymes could not be identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first-reported case of Alstrom syndrome with hepatic dysfunction in Taiwan.

Growth of bifidobacteria in soymilk and their survival in the fermented soymilk drink during storage

Growth of Bifidobacterium infantis CCRC 14633 and B. longum B6, in soymilk was investigated in the present study. It was found that soymilk could support the growth of both organisms tested. B. infantis grew better than B. longum in soymilk. Supplementation of bifitose (isomaltooligosccharie), glucose, lactose or galactose to soymilk increased the growth of B. infantis and B. longum as determined after 48 h of fermentation. On the other hand, addition of yeast extract, peptone, tryptone, casitone or N-Z-Case plus to soymilk enabled B. infantis to reach its maximum population in a shorter cultivation time of 24 h. Acid production by B. longum and B. infantis in soymilk was mainly non-growth associated, while in the yeast extract-supplemented soymilk, acid produced by B. infantis was found to be growth-associated. Populations of B. longum reduced more than did B. infantis in the prepared fermented soymilk drink during storage period. Viable population of both test organisms reduced less in the fermented drink held at 5 degrees C than at 25 degrees C. After a 10-day storage at 5 degrees C, viable B. infantis and B. longum reduced by 0.44 and 3.18 log CFU/ml, respectively, in the fermented drink. Addition of sucrose to the fermented drink resulted in an increased reduction of viable bifidobacteria during the storage period. This phenomenon was most prominent with B. infantis in the fermented drink held at 25 degrees C.

Metabolic disorders mimicking Reye's syndrome

BACKGROUND

Several metabolic disorders such as encephalopathy and hepatic dysfunction have been described as Reye's-like syndrome because they present with similar clinical manifestations that mimic Reye's syndrome. We performed a retrospective study to explore the underlying metabolic etiologies of Reye's-like syndrome in patients treated at National Taiwan University Hospital.

METHODS

From January 1991 to June 1998, 19 children with a syndrome fitting the Reye's-like syndrome description were identified for study. Urine organic acid analysis, plasma amino acid analysis, liver pathology, and skin fibroblast enzyme assays were studied during the acute stage of illness.

RESULTS

The etiologies of patients' syndromes included urea cycle disorders (n = 7), glycogen storage disease type Ia (4), primary carnitine deficiency (2), hereditary fructose intolerance (1), methylmalonic acidemia (2), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acidemia (1). Fatty acid oxidation defects were suspected in the remaining two cases.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant number of patients who present with Reye's-like syndrome have an underlying inherited metabolic disorder. In patients with Reye's-like syndrome, an accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure normal growth and development and to prevent recurrence of the condition.

Congenital contractural arachnodactyly (Beals syndrome)

Congenital contractural arachnodactyly (CCA, Beals syndrome) is an autosomal dominant disorder that is phenotypically similar to Marfan syndrome. CCA is characterized by arachnodactyly, dolichostenomelia, scoliosis, multiple congenital contractures and abnormalities of the external ears. We report here 28 patients with CCA, in whom a wide range of phenotypic expression is observed. These individuals usually have abnormally formed ears, limited extension of fingers and toes, arachnodactyly, clinodactyly, delay of developmental milestones and psychomotor retardation. Limited extensions of elbows, knees and hips are not constant features. With time, those affected individuals experience spontaneous improvement of their contractures but the kyphosis, unlike the joint contractures, tends to be progressive. No ocular problems were found in all patients, but congenital heart defects were detected in 32.2% of them. Atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect are common components in our patients. Within the only one family with two multiply affected siblings there is little phenotypic variation between the patients.

Protective effects of sodium tanshinone IIA sulphonate against adriamycin-induced lipid peroxidation in mice hearts in vivo and in vitro

Protective effects of sodium tanshinone IIA sulphonate against adriamycin-induced lipid peroxidation were investigated. Data showed that treatment with sodium tanshinone IIA sulphonate could prevent mice from decrease in body weight caused by adriamycin. It was found that myocardial lipid peroxidation in sodium tanshinone IIA sulphonate-treated mice was lower compared with that in adriamycin-treated ones. The activities of some endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, were higher in the sodium tanshinone IIA sulphonate group than that in the adriamycin group. In vitro experiments showed that sodium tanshinone IIA sulphonate could inhibit adriamycin-induced mitochondrial lipid peroxidation and swelling. Sodium tanshinone IIA sulphonate could scavenge adriamycin semiquinone free radical in heart homogenate dose-dependently. Thus, protective effects of sodium tanshinone IIA sulphonate may not only be related to its antioxidant activity but also to its regulation of antioxidant enzyme activities in the heart.

Oral-facial-digital syndrome with Y-shaped fourth metacarpals and endocardial cushion defect

We report on a boy with pseudo-cleft of the upper lip, cleft palate, bifid uvula, lobulated tongue, hypoplasia of the epiglottis, both preaxial and central polydactyly of the hands (Y-shaped fourth metacarpals), bilateral preaxial polydactyly of the feet, postaxial polydactyly of the left foot, hearing impairment, and congenital heart disease with endocardial cushion defect. These clinical manifestations resembled oral-facial-digital syndrome type II (OFDS II, Mohr syndrome) or type VI (Váradi syndrome), associated with an atrioventricular canal. Clinical variability of OFDS II has been observed repeatedly. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of OFDS II with Y-shaped fourth metacarpals. In addition to Y-shaped fourth metacarpals, Mohr syndrome plus atrioventricular canal and hypoplasia of the epiglottis may represent an additional subgroup of OFDS.

Study of human Y chromosome polymorphism in Taiwan

The Y chromosome is one of the human chromosomes carrying significant amount of constitutive heterochromatin. To investigate the prevalence of Y chromosome polymorphism and its clinical significance in Taiwan, we analyzed the Y chromosome among 6,286 unrelated males by G-banding and, if necessary, fluorescence in situ hybridization studies. The prevalence of the Y chromosome variants were: large Y (Yq+) 3.6%, pericentric inverted Y [inv(Y)] 0.27%, and small Y (Yq-) 0.59%, respectively. More than 99% of those variants were from their biological fathers. The incidence of the Y polymorphisms was similar in three groups: children with mental retardation, other chromosomal aberrations or multiple congenital anomalies, and normal controls. The Yq12 heterochromatin region may contribute to the variation in Y chromosome length. The prevalence of inv(Y) and Yq+ was higher than those in the white population. Our results conclude that there are no indications that Yq+, inv(Y) and Yq- are connected with any deviations in intelligence or with an increased risk of physical malformations or other chromosomal disorders, which is of great help for genetic counseling.

Detection of KAL-1 gene deletion with fluorescence in situ hybridization

We investigated the molecular cytogenetic status of two unrelated boys and their family members because they had features consistent with Kallmann syndrome but normal karyotypes. The first patient was a 6-year-old boy who suffered from ichthyosis, bilateral cryptorchidism, hyposmia, and neurologic disorders including mirror movements of the hands and nystagmus. Mild to moderate mental retardation was also noted in this boy, his mother, and maternal grandmother. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) study using probes for Kallmann (KAL), steroid sulfatase, and ocular albinism type 1 all showed nullisomy on Xp22.3 in this patient, and hemizygosity in his older sister, mother, and maternal grandmother. The second patient was a 1-year-old boy who had micropenis, cryptorchidism, and hypoplastic scrotum since birth. Family study disclosed a 28-year-old maternal uncle with cryptorchidism, lack of secondary sexual characteristics, and anosmia. FISH showed only the KAL gene deletion. Polymerase chain reaction analysis also showed an absence of the KAL-1 sequence. FISH is a useful tool for the detection of KAL-1 deletion in people with normal karyotypes but features consistent with Kallmann syndrome.

Corneal opacity and congenital glaucoma associated with massive heparan sulfaturia: report of one case

A four month-old male infant was noted to have had severe corneal opacity since birth. Buphthalmos, increased intraocular pressure and corneal opacity with neovascularization were noted during physical examination. There was neither dysmorphic face nor hirsutism and the liver and spleen were impalpable. In addition, hypotonia, poor head control, and absence of Moro and grasping reflexes were also noted. There was no evidence of congenital infection by TORCH study. Tests of both urine and plasma amino acids were within normal limits. However, excessive urinary excretion of heparan sulfate was detected by thin-layer chromatography. Corneal transplantation was performed at 6 months old. Histopathological examination of the corneal button showed homogeneous thickening of Bowmen's membrane and intracytoplasmic pinkish substances in corneal stroma. The Alcian blue stain was positive, which was consistent with mucopolysaccharidosis of cornea. The manifestation of this case may be a clinical variant of Sanfilippo's syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis type III).

FISH analysis in both classical and atypical cases of Williams-Beuren syndrome

Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by distinct facial changes, growth deficiency, mental retardation, supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS)/peripheral pulmonary stenosis, and associated at times with infantile hypercalcemia. A pilot study has been carried out to assess the reliability of the detection of hemizygosity at the elastin locus by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis as a diagnostic test in both classical and atypical WBS. Eight subjects with classical WBS and four others in whom a diagnosis could not be confirmed on clinical criteria alone were enrolled. In the classical WBS group, five (5/8) had a visible interstitial 7q11.22-11.23 deletion detected by high-resolution banding, and all (8/8) had a submicroscopic deletion of the elastin locus on chromosome 7 by FISH analysis. In the atypical WBS group, only one (1/4) had elastin deletion. The other three, with isolated SVAS, had normal development and minimal signs of WBS. Furthermore, the patients with microscopic 7q11.22-11.23 deletion have more associated features of WBS than those without visible interstitial deletions by high-resolution banding. These results, therefore, emphasize the importance of a combined high-resolution and molecular cytogenetic (i.e., FISH) approach to diagnosis and suggest that the degree to which microscopic/submicroscopic deletions of chromosome 7 extending in beyond the elastin locus may explain some of the phenotypical variability found in WBS.

An epidemiological and aetiological study of children with intellectual disability in Taiwan

A large-scale cytogenetic study of the causes of intellectual disability (ID) in children from special schools and institutions was made in Taiwan between 1991 and 1996. The screening methods and the identification of subjects with ID consisted of both clinical evaluation (i.e. photographs, questionnaires on family, pre-, peri- and postnatal history, and hospital records, including IQ) and further laboratory studies for diagnosis (i.e. standard chromosome analysis, and if indicated, high-resolution banding, cytogenetic fragile-X study or molecular techniques). A total of 11,892 patients were enrolled in this study. After excluding the acquired causes of ID, such as infections and the sequelae of brain insults, or the well-known single-gene disorders and other multifactorial diseases, 4372 (36.8%) cumulative cases were recruited for karyotyping studies according to their phenotypes and medical records. Abnormal karyotypes were noted in 1889 children (43.2% of all selected children). Thus, the overall incidence of chromosomal aberrations in subjects with ID was estimated as 15.9%. Down's syndrome, the most common cause of ID, accounted for 82.4% of all patients with abnormal karyotypes. The causes of ID were considered to be prenatal in 55.2% (n = 6564) of cases, perinatal in 9.5% (n = 1130), postnatal in 3.3% (n = 392) and unknown in 32.0% (n = 3805) of cases. Two large groups were classified: (1) serious ID (37%), including profound, severe and moderate categories; and (2) mild ID (63%). The causes (pre-, peri- and postnatal, and unknown) in these two populations were: 70%, 10.5%, 5.4% and 14.1%, and 46.5%, 8.9%, 2.1% and 42.5%, respectively. Genetic causes accounted for 38.5% (n = 4578) of all cases in this study, including 1557 with Down's syndrome, 233 with fragile-X syndrome, 199 with other various chromosomal abnormalities (i.e. unbalanced translocation, supernumerary markers and structural rearrangements), 238 with a defined or presumed single-gene defect, and 98 with a recognized contiguous gene syndrome (Prader-Willi, 56; Angelman, 34; Williams, 5; and Kallmann, 3); 2120 cases had familial ID. Multiple anomalies of undefined pattern, but without chromosomal aberration, infantile autism, ID of normal phenotype or family history, were of the other categories. Patients with a single-gene disorder or chromosomal aberration, especially those with unbalanced translocated or rearranged chromosomes, had genetic counselling and family studies. Pre-screening with photographs and questionnaires may give a better costbenefit than blind mass cytogenetic studies for each individual with ID.

Jacobsen distal 11q deletion syndrome with a myelodysplastic change of hemopoietic cells

We describe a male infant with unusual facial appearance, relative pancytopenia, bilateral simian creases, and an accessory nipple. Cytogenetic analysis showed deletion of the long arm of chromosome 11 [46,XY,del(11)(pter-->q23.2:)]. Bone-marrow study showed a myelodysplastic change of hemopoietic cells compatible with peripheral blood findings. Pachygyria of the temporal and frontal lobes was demonstrated by magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the brain. We present our findings in order to contribute to the information on 11q23 deletion.

Unusual features in children with inv dup(15) supernumerary marker: a study of genotype-phenotype correlation in Taiwan

Recent molecular cytogenetic studies have elucidated the origin and nature of extra structurally abnormal chromosomes (ESACs) or small supernumerary chromosomes, which are often associated with developmental delay and malformations. We studied the prevalence of inv dup(15) in a nationwide screening programme for mentally retarded children in Taiwan and tried to correlate the genotype and phenotype in those patients. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using D15Z, D15Z1, and the cosmids from the Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome chromosome region (PW/ASCR) was performed on 54 patients (0.45%) with ESACs from 11893 probands within a 5-year period. Of them, inv dup(15) was confirmed in 25 children (46.3%) by FISH analysis. The PW/ASCR probes were used to clarify the size and DNA composition of the markers. Patients with inv dup(15) chromosomes, containing only the heterochromatin or little euchromatin of the proximal 15q (i.e., pter-->q11:q11-->pter) may have a rather mild or nearly normal phenotype (group 1). Only one patient had some features suggestive of Angelman syndrome, but was considered to be a result of deleted (15)(q12) in the chromosome 15 homologue. Additional copies within D15S11 through GABRB3 (15q11.2-13) resulted in an abnormal phenotype which involved mental and developmental delay but was different from the classical phenotype of PW/AS (groups 2, 3). Signs of autistic behavior did occur in each group. FISH combined with microsatellite analyses showed that the marker was often of maternal origin in de novo cases (n = 12, 86%), or inherited from the mother in only one familial case. Down-inv dup(15) was mentioned in two cases. Unusual features including diaphragmatic eventration, hyperlaxity of joints, arachnodactyly, brain atrophy, epilepsy (particularly infantile spasm), ataxia, genital abnormalities, and cleft lip/palate were noted in those patients. This observation expands the range of phenotypic expression associated with this relatively common ESAC.

CONCLUSION

Marked phenotypic diversities exist in children with inv dup(15), dependent upon the size or genetic composition of the markers, degree of mosaicism, parental origin and familial occurrence or not. Patients with a larger inv dup(15) marker chromosome including the PW/ASCR may have a higher risk of abnormalities, but not the typical Prade-Willi/Angelman syndrome phenotype.

Partial DiGeorge anomaly associated with 10p deletion

We report a girl with partial DiGeorge anomaly associated with a distal chromosome 10p deletion. The initial manifestation was hypocalcemia convulsion at the age of 14 days. The patient was small for her gestational age and showed symptoms of poor feeding and inspiratory stridor. Facial dysmorphisms included a cupped ear, hypertelorism downslanted and short palpebral fissures frontal bossing, anteverted nostrils, a flat nasal bridge, and micrognathia. Developmental delay was also noted. Hypoplasia of the thymus was detected by ultrasound examination, but results of immunologic studies were all normal at 6 weeks of age. The echocardiogram, brain ultrasound, electroencephalogram, and magnetic resonance images of the brain were normal, but brainstem auditory evoked potentials showed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Chromosomal analysis showed 16, XX, del(10)(p12.3); the parents had normal karyotypes. After treatment with vitamin D, calcium gluconate, and magnesium sulfate, the patient's serum calcium and magnesium levels were within normal limits. She was discharged and received regular follow-up at our clinic for physical therapy and to ensure adequate supply of divalent cations. Complex partial seizure was noted at the age of 1 year and was controlled with carbamazepine. To our knowledge, this is the first Taiwanese reported to have partial DiGeorge anomaly associated with 10p deletion. We recommend that standard karyotyping should be performed in children suspected to have this anomaly.

CATCH 22: deletion of locus 22q11 in velocardiofacial syndrome, DiGeorge anomaly, and nonsyndromic conotruncal defects

DiGeorge anomaly (DGA) and velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) are frequently associated with monosomy of chromosomal subband 22q11. It is not clear whether individuals who present with only some of the features (e.g., isolated hypoparathyroidism or conotruncal defects) of these conditions also have the same deletion. In a prospective study of 30 children from 1994 to 1996, we used both high-resolution banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to assess the deletion status of children with a wide range of DGA-like or VCFS-like clinical features. Microdeletion of the chromosomal subband 22q11.22 was detected in 17 children by high-resolution banding and in two additional children with conotruncal defect (CTD) who had submicroscopic deletions proved by FISH analyses. Of the patients with microscopical deletion (n = 17), only six had classical DGA (n = 4) or VCFS (n = 2) phenotypes. The other 11 had various forms of congenital heart defects as the only presenting signs of deletion. One patient with DGA stigmata had another chromosomal aberration of monosomy 10p13. Only 10 patients were found to have neither cytogenetic nor molecular abnormalities. Therefore, it appeared that the majority, if not all, of the DGA and VCFS patients with the 22q11 deletion were identifiable using FISH with the single N25 (D22S75) probe. It would also be advisable that children with isolated CTD should be carefully examined to detect the other morphologic abnormalities of DGA and VCFS, or CATCH 22 (cardiac defects, abnormal facies, thymic hypoplasia/aplasia, cleft palate, hypocalcemia, and 22q11 deletion). Once these abnormalities are found, a molecular cytogenetic analysis for the so-called 22q11 region is indicated. Because of other associated chromosomal findings, routine or high-resolution cytogenetic analysis should be performed on patients with suspected CATCH 22.

Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type II associated with epiglottic aplasia and congenital nephrotic syndrome

A male neonate with tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type II (Langer-Giedion syndrome) and interstitial deletion of chromosome 8 with karyotype 46, XY, del (8) (q24.11-->q24.13) is reported. In addition to hypotrichosis of the scalp hair, abnormally bulbous nose and redundant skin, which are usually found in this syndrome, aplasia of the epiglottis and non-Finnish type congenital nephrotic syndrome were also present. He died of renal failure and respiratory failure at 11 days of age. Electron microscopy of renal necropsy showed foot process loss, focal thickening and splitting of the glomerular basement membrane and mesangial expansion. These have never been reported and could be new associations in this disease that may serve to support the concept of contiguous gene syndrome in patients with tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome.

Optimization of walking in children

Previous work demonstrated that adults naturally adopt a walking frequency to optimize physiological cost, symmetry, and stability. Furthermore, the optimal frequency is predictable using the force-driven harmonic oscillator (FDHO) model. However, no studies have established the developmental processes of optimization in children. Thus, the purposes of this study were to examine the predictability of the preferred stride frequency (PSF) and optimization features of 3- to 12-yr-old children using the FDHO model. Forty-five children and nine adults were measured for anthropometric data to calculate the predicted frequency. They later walked at three frequencies (PSF, PSF +25%, and PSF -25%) at a constant speed on a treadmill. The results indicated that the FDHO model was accurate in predicting the preferred frequency of children (prediction error < 0.07 s). We identified three stages of learning in the development of optimization: an early manifestation of sensitivity to resonant frequency, the subsequent development of ability to modulate walking frequency, and the final establishment of an adult optimization form at age seven. Our findings suggest that walking development may be determined by the dynamic cooperation of physiological, neural, and musculoskeletal systems with respect to the environmental context.

Differentiation of Fanconi anemia from aplastic anemia by chromosomal breakage test

Aplastic anemia (AA) is a disorder of heterogeneous pathogenesis caused by diverse etiologies. Fanconi anemia (FA) has the similar features of pancytopenia but is characterized by spontaneous or induced chromosomal instability and a variety of congenital anomalies. A cytogenetic breakage study is used to enable the diagnostic differentiation between FA and the so-called "idiopathic" AA. This method is based on the effect of the bifunctional alkylating agent mitomycin C (MMC) and alkylating mutagen diepoxybutane (DEB) on the chromosomes of peripheral lymphocytes in culture. Among thirty-three new cases of bone marrow failure with unknown etiologies, three young male patients were confirmed as victims of FA. The methodology and clinical manifestations were discussed. A prenatal screening was also performed to exclude the possibility of homozygous FA in one fetus at risk. The adequate dose of MMC used in our tests for diagnosis of FA were 20 ng/mL, while DEB did not work. These findings may suggest genetic diversity or other contributing factors in the pathogenesis of FA.

Microdeletion oe chromosomal region 7Q11.23 in Williams syndrome

We report two children with typical Williams syndrome facial appearance, growth deficiency and developmental delay. Both had supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) and peripheral pulmonary stenosis (PPS), but no hypercalcemia. Chromosomal study in the first case, a 40-day-old girl, revealed a cytogenetically visible proximal interstitial deletion of the 7q11.22-11.23 segment. Another patient, a 3-year-old boy, with a normal karyotype, had milder phenotype with spontaneous remission of SVAS and PPS. Both patients showed allelic loss of the elastin (ELN) gene, exhibiting a submicroscopic deletion at 7q11.23, which was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The results support the usefulness of FISH for detection of ELN gene deletion as an initial diagnostic assay for patients with SVAS or Williams syndrome. To our knowledge, these are the first cases of Williams syndrome in Taiwanese patients to be proven clinically, cytogenetically and by molecular analysis.

Angelman syndrome assessed by neurological and molecular cytogenetic investigations

Angelman syndrome (AS) is characterized by severe psychomotor retardation, speech impairment, happy disposition with bursts of laughter, ataxia, convulsions, and some distinct physical anomalies. Correct diagnosis of AS is important because of its clinical implications, and once the disease is confirmed, familial genetic counseling becomes crucial. We evaluated 22 patients with a putative diagnosis of AS by both clinical and molecular cytogenetic analysis. A deletion of the region 15q11-13 could be identified cytogenetically in 11 cases by high-resolution technique (group I). Four additional cases were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) study with D15S11, SNRPN, D15S10, and GABRB 3 [Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS)/AS region probes] (group II). The common deletion of GABRB 3 was documented in those AS cases (n = 15) by FISH. The other 7 cases exhibited no deletion over 15q11-13 at either the cytogenetic or molecular level (group III). We compared the following associated neurological disorders: convulsions and abnormal EEG, microcephaly, sleep and behavior problems, brain anomalies proved by image studies, sexual precocity with pineal tumor among the three groups, as well as other clinical conditions including congenital heart disease, obesity, scoliosis, and hypopigmentation. In the present study, the differences in neurological and facial characteristics were not distinct among these groups. However, the associated conditions were more frequently observed in the patients with deletion than in those without deletion. The EEG features of AS appear to be less sufficient in helping identify patients at an early age before the clinical features become obvious. Therefore, a region involved in the major As phenotypes may contain only one or more tightly contiguous genes around the GABRB 3 locus, which may explain the clinical heterogeneity in AS.

Primed in situ (PRINS) labeling for rapid detection of numeric and structural chromosome anomalies

Primed in situ (PRINS) labeling has been applied to replace the traditional fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method for the detection of specific sequences in situ in several numerical and structural chromosome anomalies. PRINS is based on sequence-specific annealing in situ of an unlabeled DNA probe or oligonucleotide primer. The probe serves as a primer for chain elongation in situ, using the labeled nucleotides as substrate. An oligonucleotide, (CCCTAA) representing human telomeric sequences, was mixed with nucleotides, biotin-16-dUTP, and Taq DNA polymerase, and applied on metaphase slides with ring chromosomes 4, 13, 18, X and Y. Primers for alpha-satellite sequences specific for the centromeric regions of human chromosomes 13, 15, 18, X and Y were also used to characterize the nature and origin of unidentifiable supernumerary marker chromosomes. The specificity of PRINS in differentiating centromeric sequences of chromosome [3 from 21 which is not possible with FISH, was demonstrated. Absence of the telomeric sequences in all of the ring chromosomes was noted in normal and abnormal phenotypes. The results suggest a mechanism of ring formation, an end-to-end fusion after loss of the palindromic nucleotide sequences at the telomeres PRINS, a fast and sensitive method of detecting nucleic acid sequences in situ, may be a reliable technique for detecting chromosomal aneuploidies and some structural rearrangements.

Amelia, dextrocardia, asplenia, and congenital short bowel in deleted ring chromosome 4

We report a female baby with multiple congenital anomalies including left upper amelia, congenital short bowel with malrotation and pseudo-obstruction, dextrocardia with situs solitus, patent ductus arteriosus, and a tiny atrophic spleen. Chromosome study showed de novo 46,XX/46,XX,-4, + r(4)(p16-->q22.3)/47,XX,4, + r(4) (p16-->q22.3), + del(4)(pter-->q22.3:). The clinical findings in the patient were probably caused by the interaction of partial trisomy 4pter-->q22.3 or 4p16-->q22.3 and partial monosomy of 4q22.3-->4qter. This karyotype and phenotype have not previously been reported.

Diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) includes a group of lysosomal storage diseases. Among them, type III (Sanfilippo) disease is rarely described in Taiwan because of their complexity. With accurate quantifying and precise separation of urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and specific enzyme measurements, two cases of MPS IIIB disease were able to be described. They both had mild-to-moderate degrees of mental retardation, facial dysmorphism and dysostosis multiplex which do not differ from other types of MPS. Total amounts of GAGs in the urine were only mildly elevated but, among them, heparan sulfate was the highest. Skin fibroblasts alpha-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase activities were low in both cases. Therefore, analysis of GAGs and enzyme assays are important for the diagnosis of patients suspected to have MPS, especially type III disease.

Metabolic function and liver histopathology in Reye-like illnesses

Forty children with Reye syndrome (RS) or Reye-like illnesses were investigated to elucidate the underlying aetiologies. Extensive biochemical studies including patterns of organic acids and amino acids, liver histopathology, and, if available, a DNA approach were performed. In addition to classical RS (n = 10), the causes of Reye-like conditions included hereditary organic acidaemias (n = 13), urea cycle defects (n = 4), mitochondrial disorders (n = 3), fulminant hepatitis (n = 2), tyrosinaemia (n = 1), valproate-associated hepatotoxicity (n = 1), and other non-specific generalized organic acid disorders (n = 6). It is important to collect specimens when encephalopathy with liver dysfunction of unknown causes is noted. When the underlying inherited metabolic disorders are confirmed, the prevention of the recurrence by adequate diet control and medications, and genetic counselling become possible.

Chromosomal rearrangements detected by FISH and G-banding

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using chromosome-specific DNA libraries as painting probes, locus-specific unique sequence (cosmid) probes, and Y-specific repetitive sequences was applied in the analysis of eighteen cases of chromosomal rearrangements of undetermined nature. FISH clarified the origin of the extra or translocated chromosome segments in seventeen patients, one with 2q+, two with 4q+, one each with 6p+, 7p+, 9q+, 10p+, 11q+ and 12p+, two with 13q+, and one each with 15q+, 17p+, 18p+, 20p+, 21p+ and Yq+, as well as the nature of a de novo supernumerary chromosome marker in a previously reported case. By G-banding and molecular cytogenetic studies of the family members, six cases were determined to have unbalanced translocations inherited from the carrier parent. The extra translocated genetic material may cause specific trisomic syndromes, including partial 6p21.3-p23, 9q32-q34.3, 13q32-q34, 15q24-q26, and 17p11.2-p13 trisomies in those patients. A translocated 21q segment on 12p was shown by a painting probe in a patient with Down features. A patient with cat cry syndrome resulting from a loss of the terminal segment of the short arm of chromosome 5 was confirmed by a cosmid probe showing de novo reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 5 and 18:t(5;18) (p13.3;p11.31). With FISH, the extra material on the rearranged chromosome could also be identified as duplicated or translocated. The FISH technique thus provides a method for the analysis of extra structurally abnormal chromosomes (especially in de novo cases), recognizable syndromes (contiguous gene syndromes) caused by translocated deletion from parental balanced chromosome rearrangements, and supernumerary marker chromosomes. FISH subsequent to G-banding is also of great help in the confirmation of preliminary abnormal G-banded karyotypes after a modified destaining procedure. In conclusion, the combination of G-banding and FISH is very useful in the accurate diagnosis of chromosomal rearrangements.

Homocystinuria presenting as fatal common carotid artery occlusion

A patient with homocystinuria presenting with fatal cerebral infarction that resulted from left common carotid artery occlusion is reported. This 13-year-old, healthy and intelligent girl presented with progressive cerebral infarction. Angiography revealed total occlusion of the left common carotid artery and stenosis of the right common carotid artery. Distal stenosis of bilateral vertebral arteries was also observed. Initially Takayasu arteritis with unusual manifestation was considered. However, later investigations revealed homocystinuria was the underlying cause. The sudden onset of fatal stroke as the initial clinical presentation of homocystinuria, as observed in this previous healthy teenager, is noteworthy. We suggest metabolic screening for homocystinuria when treating a patient with unusual vascular lesions.

Two-peak kinetic curve of the chemiluminescence in phorbol-induced macrophage

Phorbol-1,2-myristate-1,3-acetate can induce rat macrophage to emit chemiluminescence. The kinetic curve of the chemiluminescence clearly showed two peaks when a proper ratio of phorbol-1,2-myristate-1,3-acetate and macrophage were mixed. It was proved that the first one mainly came from the oxygen free radicals and the second one from NO generated in the phorbol-1,2-myristate-1,3-acetate stimulated cells by using the substitute and inhibitor of NO synthase.

Prader-Willi syndrome: clinical and molecular cytogenetic investigations

Prader-Willi syndrome is characterized by hypotonia and feeding difficulties in the neonatal period, with the childhood development of hyperphagia leading to obesity, developmental delay, hypogonadism, short stature and small hands and feet. Correct diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome is important because of its clinical implications and the need for family genetic counseling. In order to determine the most efficient method of diagnosing the condition, we evaluated 37 patients with a putative diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome by both clinical and molecular cytogenetic analyses. Clinical evaluation showed that 25 patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for Prader-Willi syndrome. A deletion of the region 15q11.2-13 was cytogenetically identified in 20 patients using a high-resolution technique. Four additional cases were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with the cosmid probes for D15S11, r-aminobutyric acid receptor beta 3 (GABRB3), small nuclear ribonucleoprotein-associated peptide N (SNRPN) or D15S10 (Prader-Willi/ Angelman syndrome region probes). The deletion of SNRPN was documented in 24 Prader-Willi syndrome patients. Only one additional patient with typical Prader-Willi syndrome features did not have any deletion over 15q11-13 at either the cytogenetic or molecular level. FISH provides a more reliable method than high-resolution chromosome analysis for the diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome. Associated conditions such as hypopigmentation, small-joint laxity, arachnodactyly, seizure disorder, optic atrophy, congenital heart disease, Perthes' disease, hirsutism, astigmatism/amblyopia, microcephaly and neuropsychiatric disturbances dictate the effects of a contiguous gene syndrome. Morbidity is high among patients with obesity and associated conditions. Appropriate genetic counseling should be given to the parents and dietary management should be helpful for patients with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Studies on nitric oxide free radicals generated from polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)

The interaction of NO and O2- free radicals generated from PMA (phorbol myristate acetate)-stimulated PMN (polymorphonuclear leukocytes) was studied by a nitroxide spin trap, DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-1-oxide). It was found that addition of L-arginine to the system would significantly decrease the trapped O2- by DMPO and addition of NG-monomethyl-arginine (NGMA) would significantly increase the trapped O2- by DMPO. It was proved that the formation of ONOO- by the reaction of NO and O2- was the main reason for the decrease of trapped O2- in the experiment with xanthine/xanthine oxidase and irradiation of riboflavin systems. The yield of NO during this process was calculated. The generation dynamic of NO was studied by a luminol-dependent chemiluminescence technique and it was found that after stimulation of PMN by PMA, there would be an immediate, significant chemiluminescence, which came mainly from the active oxygen free radicals generated by PMN. If L-arginine was added to this system, the chemiluminescence would increase about 100-fold, but NGMA inhibited the increase of the chemiluminescence. Ten minutes after addition of L-arginine, this increase did not change, the chemiluminescence peak decreased gradually, but the half life increased. The ESR and chemiluminescence properties of NO and ONOO- synthesized were also studied in model systems.

Scavenging effects of salvia miltiorrhiza on free radicals and its protection for myocardial mitochondrial membranes from ischemia-reperfusion injury

Using low temperature electron spin resonance (ESR) technique, we found that Salvia miltiorrhiza injection could scavenge the oxygen free radicals generated from ischemia-reperfusion injury in the myocardium as effectively as SOD. Using ESR spin trapping technique we found that one of its effective components, Danshensu, could scavenge superoxide anion free radicals generated from the reaction system of xanthine and xanthine oxidase, and that lipid free radicals generated from lipid peroxidation of myocardial mitochondrial membranes could be scavenged by another effective component, Tanshinone. The membrane fluidity of the mitochondria isolated from the ischemia-reperfused hearts was studied with the ESR spin labelling technique, and the TBA-method was used to detect the lipid peroxidation. It was found that Danshensu could protect the mitochondrial membrane from the ischemia-reperfusion injury and lipid peroxidation.

Double aneuploidy with Down's-Klinefelter's syndrome

The occurrence of double aneuploidy, ie, the existence of two chromosomal abnormalities in the same individual, is a relatively rare phenomenon. A 1-year-old boy with Down's syndrome resulting from de novo mosaic 21 trisomy with an additional X in the karyotype: 47,XXY/48,XXY,+21 (4%/96%) is reported. Besides the typical features of Down's syndrome, the patient did not have the commonly associated conditions (recurrent respiratory tract infections, congenital heart disease, thyroid or digestive tract problems). A molecular cytogenetic method with biotin-labeled probe D13Z1/D21Z1 was used to confirm the diagnosis and to clarify the status of Down's syndrome mosaicism which explained the milder stigmata of Down's syndrome in this case. The coexistence of Klinefelter's syndrome (47,XXY) also may have contributed to the development of normal height and micropenis in this patient. To our knowledge, this is the first case of Down's syndrome together with Klinefelter's syndrome in Taiwan.

Amino acid and DNA analyses in a family with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency

Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) is a hepatic mitochondrial enzyme involved in the detoxification of ammonia by the urea cycle. OTC deficiency is an X-linked genetic disorder, usually causing neonatal or infantile hyperammonemia, coma and death. We attended a male newborn who had poor feeding since 30 hours of age, at which time, he then rapidly progressed to a comatose state. Hyperammonemia and liver dysfunction were noted. Analysis of plasma amino acids showed elevated levels of glutamine and alanine, but a decreased level of arginine and no citrulline. OTC deficiency was diagnosed by family history of early death of newborn males on the maternal side and characteristic biochemical findings. In addition, it was proved by Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA. Although OTC deficiency has been described as the most common inborn error of ureagenesis in humans, to our knowledge, this is the first report in a Chinese family confirmed by biochemical and DNA analyses.

Kleine-Levin syndrome in a boy with Prader-Willi syndrome

A 9 1/2-year-old Taiwanese boy with Prader-Willi syndrome had the following characteristics: difficulties with sucking, feeding and hypotonia during infancy, a dysmorphic face (triangular mouth, high arched palate, almond-shaped eyes and large head circumference with a relatively narrow bifrontal diameter), borderline intelligence, hypogonadism, hyperphagia, skin picking and truncal obesity. The boy experienced two hypersomnia episodes, at age 8 and 9 years, with both episodes lasting for 10 days. During the two episodes, he was found to have an exacerbated case of hyperphagia, pica, poor emotional control, stereotyped speech and agitated behavior upon awakening. After each episode, the boy had complete remission. Our findings show that the two episodes are compatible with Kleine-Levin syndrome. The relationship between the two syndromes, the Prader-Willi syndrome and the Kleine-Levin syndrome, deserves further study.

Galloway-Mowat syndrome in Taiwan

We report on two Chinese female infants with multiple congenital anomalies: microcephaly, apparent porencephaly or encephalomalacia, developmental delay, minor facial anomalies, and contractural arachnodactyly. In the first patient, focal glomerulosclerosis was diagnosed histologically by percutaneous renal biopsy due to proteinuria with hematuria. Congenital hypothyroidism presenting with markedly low T3 and T4 was also noted. She died at age 5 months. The second patient had a very similar condition but less severe brain and kidney malformations. A variant of Galloway-Mowat syndrome is suspected.