pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type: A characterization of the patients' lived experience

Hypermobility type Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS‐HT) is an inherited connective tissue disorder clinically diagnosed by the presence of significant joint hypermobility and associated skin manifestations. This article presents a large‐scale study that reports the lived experience of EDS‐HT patients, the broad range of symptoms that individuals with EDS‐HT experience, and the impact these symptoms have on daily functioning. A 237‐item online survey, including validated questions regarding pain and depression, was developed. Four hundred sixty‐six (466) adults (90% female, 52% college or higher degree) with a self‐reported diagnosis of EDS‐HT made in a clinic or hospital were included. The most frequently reported symptoms were joint pain (99%), hypermobility (99%), and limb pain (91%). They also reported a high frequency of other conditions including chronic fatigue (82%), anxiety (73%), depression (69%), and fibromyalgia (42%). Forty‐six percent of respondents reported constant pain often described as aching and tiring/exhausting. Despite multiple interventions and therapies, many individuals (53%) indicated that their diagnosis negatively affected their ability to work or attend school. Our results show that individuals with EDS‐HT can experience a wide array of symptoms and co‐morbid conditions. The degree of constant pain and disability experienced by the majority of EDS‐HT respondents is striking and illustrates the impact this disorder has on quality of life as well as the clinical challenges inherent in managing this complex connective tissue disorder. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Sclerocornea in a patient with van den Ende-Gupta syndrome homozygous for a SCARF2 microdeletion

Van den Ende-Gupta Syndrome (VDEGS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by blepharophimosis, distinctive nose, hypoplastic maxilla, and skeletal abnormalities. Using homozygosity mapping in four VDEGS patients from three consanguineous families, Anastacio et al. [Anastacio et al. (2010); Am J Hum Genet 87:553-559] identified homozygous mutations in SCARF2, located at 22q11.2. Bedeschi et al. [2010] described a VDEGS patient with sclerocornea and cataracts with compound heterozygosity for the common 22q11.2 microdeletion and a hemizygous SCARF2 mutation. Because sclerocornea had been described in DiGeorge-velo-cardio-facial syndrome but not in VDEGS, they suggested that the ocular abnormalities were caused by the 22q11.2 microdeletion. We report on a 23-year-old male who presented with bilateral sclerocornea and the VDGEGS phenotype who was subsequently found to be homozygous for a 17 bp deletion in exon 4 of SCARF2. The occurrence of bilateral sclerocornea in our patient together with that of Bedeschi et al., suggests that the full VDEGS phenotype may include sclerocornea resulting from homozygosity or compound heterozygosity for loss of function variants in SCARF2. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.status: publishe
A newly recognized 13q12.3 microdeletion syndrome characterized by intellectual disability, microcephaly, and eczema/atopic dermatitis encompassing the HMGB1 and KATNAL1 genes

Proximal deletions of the long arm of chromosome 13 have been reported only rarely. Here we present three unrelated patients with heterozygous, apparently de novo deletions encompassing 13q12.3. The patients present with moderate demonstrated or apparent intellectual disability, postnatal microcephaly, and eczema/atopic dermatitis as the predominant symptoms. In addition, they had pronounced feeding difficulties in early infancy. They displayed similar facial features such as malar flattening, a prominent nose with underdeveloped alae nasi, a smooth philtrum, and a thin vermillion of the upper lip. The proximal and distal breakpoints were clustered and the deletions spanned from 1.4 to 1.7 Mb, comprising at least 11 RefSeq genes. However, heterozygous deletions partially overlapping those observed in the present patients have been described in healthy parents of patients with Peters-Plus syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder caused by inactivation of the B3GALTL gene. We therefore propose that the critical region of the 13q12.3 microdeletion syndrome contains only three genes, namely, KATNAL1, HMGB1, and LINC00426, a non-protein coding RNA. The KATNAL1 protein belongs to a family of microtubule severing enzymes that have been implicated in CNS plasticity in experimental models, but little is known about its function in humans. The HMGB1 protein is an evolutionarily conserved chromatin-associated protein involved in many biologically important processes. In summary, we propose that microdeletion 13q12.3 represents a novel clinically recognizable condition and that the microtubule severing gene KATNAL1 and the chromatin-associated gene HMGB1 are candidate genes for intellectual disability inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern
Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and hypersegmented neutrophils in a patient with ataxia-telangiectasia-like disorder: Potential diagnostic clues?

Ataxia-telangiectasia-like disorder (ATLD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, and has symptoms similar to ataxia-telangiectasia (AT). ATLD is caused by mutations in the MRE11 gene, involved in DNA double-strand break repair (DSBR). In contrast to AT, ATLD patients lack key clinical features, such as telangiectasia or immunodeficiency, and are therefore difficult to be diagnosed. We report a female ATLD patient presenting with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and hypersegmented neutrophils, previously undescribed features in this disorder, and potential diagnostic clues to differentiate ATLD from other conditions. The patient showed slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia from 2 years of age, and MRI revealed atrophy of the cerebellum, oculomotor apraxia, mild cognitive impairment, writing dystonia, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism with primary amenorrhea, and hypersegmented neutrophils. Western blot assay demonstrated total loss of MRE11 and reduction of ATM-dependent phosphorylation; thus, we diagnosed ATLD. Genetically, a novel missense mutation (c.140C>T) was detected in the MRE11 gene, but no other mutation was found in the patient. Our presenting patient suggests that impaired DSBR may be associated with hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and neutrophil hypersegmentation. In conclusion, when assessing patients with ataxia of unknown cause, ATLD should be considered, and the gonadal state and peripheral blood smear samples evaluated
Hydrops, fetal pleural effusions and chylothorax in three patients with CBL mutations

Fetal hydrops, fetal pleural effusions, hydrothorax, and chylothorax, may be associated with various genetic disorders, in particular with the Noonan, cardio-facio-cutaneous and Costello syndromes. These syndromes, collectively called RASopathies, are caused by mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway, which is known to play a major role in lymphangiogenesis. Recently, germline mutations in the Casitas B-cell lymphoma (CBL) gene were reported in 25 patients and of these, 20 had juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). The disorder was named "CBL syndrome" or "Noonan syndrome-like disorder with or without juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia" (NSLL). To date, prenatal abnormalities have not been reported and it is still debated whether the CBL syndrome falls into the category of a RASopathy, or represents a different entity. Here we report on three unrelated patients with CBL mutations manifesting with hydrops fetalis, fetal pleural effusions and/or congenital hydro-/chylothorax. Our findings further connect the CBL syndrome with the RASopathies
Aortopathy in the 7q11.23 microduplication syndrome

The 7q11.23 microduplication syndrome, caused by the reciprocal duplication of the Williams-Beuren syndrome deletion region, is a genomic disorder with an emerging clinical phenotype. Dysmorphic features, congenital anomalies, hypotonia, developmental delay highlighted by variable speech delay, and autistic features are characteristic findings. Congenital heart defects, most commonly patent ductus arteriosus, have been reported in a minority of cases. Included in the duplicated region is elastin (ELN), implicated as the cause of supravalvar aortic stenosis in patients with Williams–Beuren syndrome. Here we present a series of eight pediatric patients and one adult with 7q11.23 microduplication syndrome, all of whom had aortic dilation, the opposite vascular phenotype of the typical supravalvar aortic stenosis found in Williams–Beuren syndrome. The ascending aorta was most commonly involved, while dilation was less frequently identified at the aortic root and sinotubular junction. The findings in these patients support a recommendation for cardiovascular surveillance in patients with 7q11.23 microduplication syndrome
Characterization of human disease phenotypes associated with mutations in TREX1, RNASEH2A, RNASEH2B, RNASEH2C, SAMHD1, ADAR, and IFIH1.

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome is an inflammatory disease occurring due to mutations in any of TREX1, RNASEH2A, RNASEH2B, RNASEH2C, SAMHD1, ADAR or IFIH1. We report on 374 patients from 299 families with mutations in these seven genes. Most patients conformed to one of two fairly stereotyped clinical profiles; either exhibiting an in utero disease-onset (74 patients; 22.8% of all patients where data were available), or a post-natal presentation, usually within the first year of life (223 patients; 68.6%), characterized by a sub-acute encephalopathy and a loss of previously acquired skills. Other clinically distinct phenotypes were also observed; particularly, bilateral striatal necrosis (13 patients; 3.6%) and non-syndromic spastic paraparesis (12 patients; 3.4%). We recorded 69 deaths (19.3% of patients with follow-up data). Of 285 patients for whom data were available, 210 (73.7%) were profoundly disabled, with no useful motor, speech and intellectual function. Chilblains, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, cardiomyopathy, intracerebral vasculitis, peripheral neuropathy, bowel inflammation and systemic lupus erythematosus were seen frequently enough to be confirmed as real associations with the Aicardi-Goutieres syndrome phenotype. We observed a robust relationship between mutations in all seven genes with increased type I interferon activity in cerebrospinal fluid and serum, and the increased expression of interferon-stimulated gene transcripts in peripheral blood. We recorded a positive correlation between the level of cerebrospinal fluid interferon activity assayed within one year of disease presentation and the degree of subsequent disability. Interferon-stimulated gene transcripts remained high in most patients, indicating an ongoing disease process. On the basis of substantial morbidity and mortality, our data highlight the urgent need to define coherent treatment strategies for the phenotypes associated with mutations in the Aicardi-Goutières syndrome-related genes. Our findings also make it clear that a window of therapeutic opportunity exists relevant to the majority of affected patients and indicate that the assessment of type I interferon activity might serve as a useful biomarker in future clinical trials
Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Young Infants with Down Syndrome Evaluated in a Down Syndrome Specialty Clinic

Children with Down syndrome (DS) experience congenital and functional medical issues that predispose them to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Research utilizing stringent age criteria among samples of infants with DS and OSA is limited. This study examines clinical correlates of OSA among infants with DS. A retrospective chart review was conducted of infants ≤6 months of age referred to a DS clinic at a tertiary children's hospital over five-years (n = 177). Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression models were utilized to analyze the data. Fifty-nine infants underwent polysomnography, based on clinical concerns. Of these, 95% (56/59) had studies consistent with OSA. Among infants with OSA, 71% were identified as having severe OSA (40/56). The minimum overall prevalence of OSA among the larger group of infants was 31% (56/177). Significant relationships were found between OSA and dysphagia, congenital heart disease (CHD), prematurity, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other functional and anatomic gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. Results indicate that odds of OSA in this group are higher among infants with GI conditions in comparison to those without. Co-occurring dysphagia and CHD predicted the occurrence of OSA in 36% of cases with an overall predictive accuracy rate of 71%. Obstructive sleep apnea is relatively common in young infants with DS and often severe. Medical factors including GI conditions, dysphagia and CHD may help to identify infants who are at greater risk and may warrant evaluation. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of OSA in infants with DS
Proceedings from the Turner Resource Network symposium: The crossroads of health care research and health care delivery

Turner syndrome, a congenital condition that affects ∼1/2,500 births, results from absence or structural alteration of the second sex chromosome. There has been substantial effort by numerous clinical and genetic research groups to delineate the clinical, pathophysiological, cytogenetic, and molecular features of this multisystem condition. Questions about the molecular-genetic and biological basis of many of the clinical features remain unanswered, and health care providers and families seek improved care for affected individuals. The inaugural “Turner Resource Network (TRN) Symposium” brought together individuals with Turner syndrome and their families, advocacy group leaders, clinicians, basic scientists, physician-scientists, trainees and other stakeholders with interest in the well-being of individuals and families living with the condition. The goal of this symposium was to establish a structure for a TRN that will be a patient-powered organization involving those living with Turner syndrome, their families, clinicians, and scientists. The TRN will identify basic and clinical questions that might be answered with registries, clinical trials, or through bench research to promote and advocate for best practices and improved care for individuals with Turner syndrome. The symposium concluded with the consensus that two rationales justify the creation of a TRN:

1. inadequate attention has been paid to the health and psychosocial issues facing girls and women who live with Turner syndrome; 2.
investigations into the susceptibility to common disorders such as cardiovascular or autoimmune diseases caused by sex chromosome deficiencies will increase understanding of disease susceptibilities in the general population.Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (U.S.) (Grant 1R13HD079209-01)March of Dimes Birth Defects FoundationAmerican Heart AssociationNational Institutes of Health (U.S.) Office of Women's HealthLeaping Butterfly MinistryTurner Syndrome Society of the United State
The phenotype of the musculocontractural type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome due to CHST14 mutations.

The musculocontractural type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (MC-EDS) has been recently recognized as a clinical entity. MC-EDS represents a differential diagnosis within the congenital neuromuscular and connective tissue disorders spectrum. Thirty-one and three patients have been reported with MC-EDS so far with bi-allelic mutations identified in CHST14 and DSE, respectively, encoding two enzymes necessary for dermatan sulfate (DS) biosynthesis. We report seven additional patients with MC-EDS from four unrelated families, including the follow-up of a sib-pair originally reported with the kyphoscoliotic type of EDS in 1975. Brachycephaly, a characteristic facial appearance, an asthenic build, hyperextensible and bruisable skin, tapering fingers, instability of large joints, and recurrent formation of large subcutaneous hematomas are always present. Three of seven patients had mildly elevated serum creatine kinase. The oldest patient was blind due to retinal detachment at 45 years and died at 59 years from intracranial bleeding; her affected brother died at 28 years from fulminant endocarditis. All patients in this series harbored homozygous, predicted loss-of-function CHST14 mutations. Indeed, DS was not detectable in fibroblasts from two unrelated patients with homozygous mutations. Patient fibroblasts produced higher amounts of chondroitin sulfate, showed intracellular retention of collagen types I and III, and lacked decorin and thrombospondin fibrils compared with control. A great proportion of collagen fibrils were not integrated into fibers, and fiber bundles were dispersed into the ground substance in one patient, all of which is likely to contribute to the clinical phenotype. This report should increase awareness for MC-EDS. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.\ud
© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Clinical and genetic aspects of KBG syndrome.

KBG syndrome is characterized by short stature, distinctive facial features, and developmental/cognitive delay and is caused by mutations in ANKRD11, one of the ankyrin repeat-containing cofactors. We describe 32 KBG patients aged 2-47 years from 27 families ascertained via two pathways: targeted ANKRD11 sequencing (TS) in a group who had a clinical diagnosis of KBG and whole exome sequencing (ES) in a second group in whom the diagnosis was unknown. Speech delay and learning difficulties were almost universal and variable behavioral problems frequent. Macrodontia of permanent upper central incisors was seen in 85%. Other clinical features included short stature, conductive hearing loss, recurrent middle ear infection, palatal abnormalities, and feeding difficulties. We recognized a new feature of a wide anterior fontanelle with delayed closure in 22%. The subtle facial features of KBG syndrome were recognizable in half the patients. We identified 20 ANKRD11 mutations (18 novel: all truncating) confirmed by Sanger sequencing in 32 patients. Comparison of the two ascertainment groups demonstrated that facial/other typical features were more subtle in the ES group. There were no conclusive phenotype-genotype correlations. Our findings suggest that mutation of ANKRD11 is a common Mendelian cause of developmental delay. Affected patients may not show the characteristic KBG phenotype and the diagnosis is therefore easily missed. We propose updated diagnostic criteria/clinical recommendations for KBG syndrome and suggest that inclusion of ANKRD11 will increase the utility of gene panels designed to investigate developmental delay. © 2016 The Authors. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Growth pattern in Kabuki syndrome with a KMT2D mutation

Kabuki syndrome is a multiple congenital malformation syndrome with a spectrum of clinical features including short stature. Since there is no growth data on Kabuki syndrome patients with a proven KMT2D gene mutation, further research on growth and growth patterns is indicated. Data for this growth study on subjects with Kabuki syndrome were collected from referring clinicians. Subjects were eligible for inclusion in the study if the following criteria were met: a genetically confirmed diagnosis of Kabuki syndrome and no current treatment with growth hormones or other drugs that could influence growth. We present a report on growth data (n = 39) in Kabuki syndrome patients. The data showed that postnatal growth retardation is a clinical feature in all cases. All Kabuki syndrome subjects showed a growth deflection during childhood and a diminution of the pubertal growth spurt. A genotype-phenotype correlation was not observed. Further research is required in order to determine whether a defect in the growth hormone/IGF-I axis and estrogen receptor plays a role in the growth retardation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.status: publishe
A novel patient with an attenuated Costello syndrome phenotype due to an HRAS mutation affecting codon 146-Literature review and update

De novo germline mutations in HRAS cause Costello syndrome, with >95% of the mutations causing Costello syndrome affecting amino acid position 12 (p.Gly12) or 13 (p.Gly13). We report on a patient with de novo missense mutation causing an amino acid change at codon 146 of HRAS, c.436G > C:p.Ala146Pro, who presented with subtle dysmorphic features, failure to thrive, global developmental delay, and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Mutations affecting codon 146 are observed in <1% of patients with Costello syndrome. From literature search, there were only two other patients reported with mutations involving the same location. We summarized and updated their findings, and discussed evidence to show that these patients with less obvious signs of Costello syndrome may not necessarily run a more benign clinical course.postprin
DiGeorge-like Syndrome in a Child with a 3p12.3 Deletion Involving MIR4273 Gene Born to a Mother with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion is the most common chromosomal alteration associated with DiGeorge syndrome (DGS), even though this is not the only underlying cause of DGS. In rare patients, mutations in a single gene, TBX1, have been described resulting in a DGS phenotype. Recently, it has been reported that at least part of the TBX1 mutant phenotype is due to excessive bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) signaling.  Evidence suggests that miRNA may modulate the expression of critical T-box transcriptional regulators during midface development and  Bmp-signaling. We report on a 7-year-old Caucasian male born to a mother affected with gestational diabetes (GDM) who had  a 371Kb-interstitial deletion of 3p12.3 identified by array CGH, involving the ZNF717, MIR1243 and 4273 genes. The child presented with a DiGeorge anomaly (DGA) associated with unilateral renal agenesis and language delay. The immunological evaluation revealed a severe reduction and impairment of T lymphocytes. FISH analysis and TBX1 sequencing were negative. Among the miRNA-4273 predicted target genes, we found BMP3, which is involved in several steps of embryogenesisincluding kidney and lung organogenesis and in insulin gene expression. \ud
Since  DGA is not commonly  found in newborns of diabetic mothers, we hypothesize that the pathogenesis of DGA associated with GDM is multifactorial, involving both genetic and/or epigenetic cofactors