Development of 100^{100}Mo-containing scintillating bolometers for a high-sensitivity neutrinoless double-beta decay search

We report recent achievements in the development of scintillating bolometers to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay of $^{100}$Mo. The presented results have been obtained in the framework of the LUMINEU, LUCIFER and EDELWEISS collaborations, and are now part of the R\&D activities towards CUPID (CUORE Update with Particle IDentification), a proposed next-generation double-beta decay experiment based on the CUORE experience. We have developed a technology for the production of large mass ($\sim$1 kg), high optical quality, radiopure zinc and lithium molybdate crystal scintillators (ZnMoO$_4$ and Li$_2$MoO$_4$, respectively) from deeply purified natural and $^{100}$Mo-enriched molybdenum. The procedure is applied for a routine production of enriched crystals. Furthermore, the technology of a single detector module consisting of a large-volume ($\sim 100$~cm$^3$) Zn$^{100}$MoO$_4$ and Li$_2$$^{100}$MoO$_4$ scintillating bolometer has been established, demonstrating performance and radiopurity that are close to satisfy the demands of CUPID. In particular, the FWHM energy resolution of the detectors at 2615 keV --- near the $Q$-value of the double-beta transition of $^{100}$Mo (3034~keV) --- is $\approx$ 4--10~keV. The achieved rejection of $\alpha$-induced dominant background above 2.6~MeV is at the level of more than 99.9\%. The bulk activity of $^{232}$Th ($^{228}$Th) and $^{226}$Ra in the crystals is below 10 $\mu$Bq/kg. Both crystallization and detector technologies favor Li$_2$MoO$_4$, which was selected as a main element for the realization of a CUPID demonstrator (CUPID-0/Mo) with $\sim$7 kg of $^{100}$Mo

Fear and rumours regarding placental biopsies in a malaria-in-pregnancy trial in Benin.

BACKGROUND: A multi-country, community-based trial on scheduled screening and treatment for malaria in pregnancy was conducted in Benin, The Gambia and Burkina Faso. Despite standardized procedures and outcomes, the study became subject to rumours and accusations of placenta being sold for mystical and financial gain by trial staff, leading to drop-out rates of 30% and the consequent halting of placental biopsy sampling in Benin. This paper explores the role of socio-cultural beliefs related to placenta and identified additional factors contributing these rumours. METHODS: A qualitative comparative emergent-theory design was used to assess social factors related to trial implementation and uptake in the three countries. Data from participant observation, informal conversations, group discussions and interviews were triangulated and analysed with NVivo Qualitative Analysis software. RESULTS: Despite similar sociocultural beliefs about the sacred nature of the placenta in all three study countries, these beliefs did not affect participation rates in Burkina Faso and The Gambia and placenta-related rumours only emerged in Benin. Therefore, the presence of beliefs is not a sufficient condition to have generated placenta-selling fears. The rumours in Benin reflected the confluence of placenta-related beliefs and factors related to the implementation of the trial (including a catalysing adverse event and miscommunication during the informed consent procedure). Furthermore, distinct socio-political factors contributed to the emergence of rumours, including the historical distrust in governmental organizations and the tense relationship between some of the actors involved in the trial. CONCLUSION: Transdisciplinary social science research designs should accompany the implementation of the trial. The integration of multiple stakeholders' knowledge and involvement is required to define and solve upcoming barriers

The V471A polymorphism in autophagy-related gene ATG7 modifies age at onset specifically in Italian Huntington disease patients

The cause of Huntington disease (HD) is a polyglutamine repeat expansion of more than 36 units in the huntingtin protein, which is inversely correlated with the age at onset of the disease. However, additional genetic factors are believed to modify the course and the age at onset of HD. Recently, we identified the V471A polymorphism in the autophagy-related gene ATG7, a key component of the autophagy pathway that plays an important role in HD pathogenesis, to be associated with the age at onset in a large group of European Huntington disease patients. To confirm this association in a second independent patient cohort, we analysed the ATG7 V471A polymorphism in additional 1,464 European HD patients of the “REGISTRY” cohort from the European Huntington Disease Network (EHDN). In the entire REGISTRY cohort we could not confirm a modifying effect of the ATG7 V471A polymorphism. However, analysing a modifying effect of ATG7 in these REGISTRY patients and in patients of our previous HD cohort according to their ethnic origin, we identified a significant effect of the ATG7 V471A polymorphism on the HD age at onset only in the Italian population (327 patients). In these Italian patients, the polymorphism is associated with a 6-years earlier disease onset and thus seems to have an aggravating effect. We could specify the role of ATG7 as a genetic modifier for HD particularly in the Italian population. This result affirms the modifying influence of the autophagic pathway on the course of HD, but also suggests population-specific modifying mechanisms in HD pathogenesis

First results from the AMoRE-Pilot neutrinoless double beta decay experiment

The advanced molybdenum-based rare process experiment (AMoRE) aims to search for neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ) of100Mo with ∼ 100kg of 100Moenrichedmolybdenumembeddedincryogenicdetectorswith adualheatandlightreadout.Atthecurrent,pilotstageofthe AMoRE project we employ six calcium molybdate crystals withatotalmassof1.9kg,producedfrom48Ca-depletedcalcium and 100Mo-enriched molybdenum (48deplCa100MoO4). The simultaneous detection of heat (phonon) and scintillation (photon) signals is realized with high resolution metallic magnetic calorimeter sensors that operate at milli-Kelvin temperatures. This stage of the project is carried out in the Yangyang underground laboratory at a depth of 700 m. We report first results from the AMoRE-Pilot 0νββ search with a 111 kg day live exposure of 48deplCa100MoO4 crystals. No evidence for 0νββ decay of 100Mo is found, and a upper limit is set for the half-life of 0νββ of 100Mo of T0ν 1/2 > 9.5×1022 years at 90% C.L. This limit corresponds to an effective Majorana neutrino mass limit in the range mββ≤(1.2−2.1)eV. © The Author(s) 201911sciescopu

Observing Huntington's disease: the European Huntington's Disease Network's REGISTRY.

none642sinoneOrth M, Handley OJ, Schwenke C, Dunnett S, Wild EJ, Tabrizi SJ, Landwehrmeyer GB, Bachoud-Lévi AC, Bentivoglio AR, Biunno I, Bonelli R, Burgunder JM, Dunnett SB, Ferreira JJ, Giuliano J, Handley OJ, Heiberg A, Illmann T, van Kammen D, Landwehrmeye GB, Levey J, Nielsen JE, Päivärinta M, Roos RA, Sebastián AR, Tabrizi SJ, Vandenberghe W, Verellen-Dumoulin C, Zaremba J, Uhrova T, Wahlström J, Schwenke C, Orth M, Illmann T, Wallner M, Barth K, Guedes LC, Finisterra AM, Garde MB, Bos R, Burg S, Ecker D, Handley OJ, Held C, Koppers K, Laurà M, Descals AM, McLean T, Mestre T, Minster S, Monza D, Townhill J, Orth M, Padieu H, Paterski L, Peppa N, Koivisto SP, Rialland A, Røren N, Sasinková P, Cubillo PT, Tritsch C, van Walsem MR, Witjes-Ané MN, Yudina E, Zielonka D, Zielonka E, Zinzi P, Bonelli RM, Herranhof B, Holl A, Kapfhammer HP, Koppitz M, Magnet M, Otti D, Painold A, Reisinger K, Scheibl M, Hecht K, Lilek S, Müller N, Schöggl H, Ullah J, Brugger F, Hepperger C, Hotter A, Mahlknecht P, Nocker M, Seppi K, Wenning G, Buratti L, Hametner EM, Holas C, Hussl A, Mair K, Poewe W, Wolf E, Zangerl A, Braunwarth EM, Lilek S, Sinadinosa D, Walleczek AM, Bonelli RM, Ladurner G, Staffen W, Ribaï P, Verellen-Dumoulin C, Flamez A, Morez V, de Raedt S, Boogaerts A, Vandenberghe W, van Reijen D, Klempíř J, Kucharík M, Roth J, Šenkárová Z, Hasholt L, Hjermind LE, Jakobsen O, Nørremølle A, Sørensen SA, Stokholm J, Nielsen J, Hiivola H, Martikainen K, Tuuha K, Peippo M, Sipponen M, Ignatius J, Kärppä M, Åman J, Santala M, Allain P, Guérid MA, Gohier B, Olivier A, Prundean A, Scherer-Gagou C, Verny C, Babiloni B, Debruxelles S, Goizet C, Lafoucrière D, De Bruycker C, Carette AS, Decorte E, Delval A, Delliaux M, Dujardin K, Peter M, Plomhouse L, Simonin C, Thibault-Tanchou S, Bellonet M, Duru C, Krystkowiak P, Roussel M, Wannepain S, Azulay JP, Chabot C, Delphini M, Eusebio A, Grosjean H, Mundler L, Nowak M, Rudolf G, Steinmetz G, Tranchant C, Wagner C, Zimmermann MA, Calvas F, Cheriet S, Démonet JF, Galitzky M, Kosinski CM, Milkereit E, Probst D, Sass C, Schiefer J, Schlangen C, Werner CJ, Gelderblom H, Priller J, Prüss H, Spruth EJ, Andrich J, Hoffmann R, Kraus PH, Muth S, Prehn C, Saft C, Salmen S, Stamm C, Steiner T, Strassburger K, Lange H, Friedrich A, Hunger U, Löhle M, Schmidt S, Storch A, Wolz A, Wolz M, Lambeck J, Zucker B, Boelmans K, Ganos C, Hidding U, Lewerenz J, Münchau A, Orth M, Schmalfeld J, Stubbe L, Zittel S, Diercks G, Gorzolla H, Schrader C, Heinicke W, Ribbat M, Longinus B, Bürk K, Möller JC, Rissling I, Peinemann A, Städtler M, Weindl A, Bechtel N, Beckmann H, Bohlen S, Hölzner E, Lange H, Reilmann R, Rohm S, Rumpf S, Schepers S, Beister A, Dose M, Hammer K, Kieni J, Leythaeuser G, Marquard R, Raab T, Richter S, Selimbegovic-Turkovic A, Schrenk C, Schuierer M, Wiedemann A, Barth K, Buck A, Connemann J, Ecker D, Eschenbach C, Held C, Landwehrmeyer B, Lezius F, Nepper S, Niess A, Orth M, Süssmuth S, Trautmann S, Weydt P, Cormio C, Difruscolo O, Sciruicchio V, Serpino C, de Tommaso M, Capellari S, Cortelli P, Gallassi R, Poda R, Rizzo G, Scaglione C, Bertini E, Ghelli E, Ginestroni A, Massaro F, Mechi C, Paganini M, Piacentini S, Pradella S, Romoli AM, Sorbi S, Abbruzzese G, di Poggio MB, Di Maria E, Ferrandes G, Mandich P, Marchese R, Albanese A, Di Bella D, Di Donato S, Gellera C, Genitrini S, Mariotti C, Monza D, Nanetti L, Paridi D, Soliveri P, Tomasello C, De Michele G, Di Maio L, Rinaldi C, Russo CV, Salvatore E, Tucci T, Cannella M, Codella V, De Gregorio F, De Nicola N, Martino T, Simonelli M, Squitieri F, Bentivoglio AR, Catalli C, Di Giacopo R, Fasano A, Frontali M, Guidubaldi A, Ialongo T, Jacopini G, Loria G, Modoni A, Piano C, Chiara P, Quaranta D, Romano S, Soleti F, Spadaro M, Zinzi P, van Hout MS, van Vugt JP, de Weert AM, Bolwijn JJ, Dekker M, Leenders KL, van Oostrom JC, Bos R, Dumas EM, Jurgens CK, van den Bogaard SJ, Roos RA, 't Hart EP, Witjes-Ané MN, Kremer B, Verstappen CC, Heiberg A, van Walsem MR, Frich J, Wehus R, Aaserud O, Borgerød N, Bjørgo K, Fannemel M, Gørvell P, Pro Koivisto S, Retterstøl L, Overland T, Stokke B, Bjørnevoll I, Sando SB, Blinkenberg EØ, Hauge E, Tyvoll H, Sitek E, Slawek J, Soltan W, Boczarska-Jedynak M, Jasinska-Myga B, Opala G, Kłodowska-Duda G, Banaszkiewicz K, Szczudlik A, Rudzińska M, Wójcik M, Dec M, Krawczyk M, Bryl A, Ciesielska A, Klimberg A, Marcinkowski J, Sempołowicz J, Zielonka D, Samara H, Janik P, Kalbarczyk A, Kwiecinski H, Jamrozik Z, Antczak J, Jachinska K, Rakowicz M, Richter P, Ryglewicz D, Witkowski G, Zdzienicka E, Zaremba J, Sułek A, Krysa W, Júlio F, Januário C, Mestre T, Guedes L, Coelho M, Mendes T, Valadas A, Ferreira JJ, Timóteo Â, Costa C, Vale J, Cavaco S, Damásio J, Magalhães M, Gago M, Garrett C, Guerra MR, Solis P, Herrera CD, Garcia PM, Barrero F, Morales B, Cubo E, Mariscal N, Alonso-Frech F, Perez MR, Fenollar M, García RG, Quiroga PP, Rivera SV, Villanueva C, Bascuñana M, Ventura MF, Ribas GG, de Yébenes JG, Moreno JL, Cubillo PT, Ruíz PJ, Martínez-Descals A, Artiga MJ, Sánchez V, Perea MF, Lorenza F, Torres MM, Reinante G, Moreau LV, Barbera MA, Guia DB, Hernanz LC, Catena JL, Sebastián AR, Ferrer PQ, Carruesco GT, Bas J, Busquets N, Calopa M, Buongiorno MT, Muñoz E, Elorza MD, López CD, Terol SD, Robert MF, Ruíz BG, Casado AG, Martínez IH, Viladrich CM, Pons i Càrdenas R, Roca E, Llesoy JR, Idiago JM, Vergara MR, García SS, Villa Riballo A, González SG, Guisasola LM, Salvador C, San Martín ES, Gorospe A, Legarda I, Arques PN, Rodríguez MJ, Vives B, Gaston I, Ramos-Arroyo MA, Moreno JM, Peña JC, Avarvarei LD, Bastida AM, Recio MF, Vergé LR, Sánchez VS, Carrillo F, Cáceres MT, Mir P, Suarez MJ, Bosca M, Burguera JA, Garcia AC, Martínez LM, del Val JL, Loutfi G, Olofsson C, Stattin EL, Westman L, Wikström B, Höglund A, Pålhagen SE, Paucar M, Sandström B, Soltani R, Svenningsson P, Reza-Soltani TW, Constantinescu R, Fredlund G, Høsterey-Ugander U, Neleborn-Lingefjärd L, Wahlström J, Esmaeilzadeh M, Tedroff J, Winnberg E, Björn Y, Ekwall C, Gøller ML, Johansson A, Wiklund L, Petersen Å, Reimer J, Widner H, Burgunder JM, Burgunder Y, Stebler Y, Kaelin A, Romero I, Schüpbach M, Zaugg SW, Jack R, Matheson K, Miedzybrodzka Z, Rae D, Simpson S, Summers F, Ure A, Crooks J, Curtis A, de Souza Keylock J, Rickards H, Wright J, Hayward B, Sieradzan K, Wright A, Barker RA, Di Pietro A, Fisher K, Goodman A, Hill S, Kershaw A, Mason S, Paterson N, Raymond L, Bisson J, Busse M, Clenaghan C, Ellison-Rose L, Handley O, Hunt S, Townhill J, Price K, Rosser A, Edwards M, Hughes T, McGill M, Pearson P, Porteous M, Smith P, Zeman A, Causley A, Harrower T, Howcroft D, Lambord N, Rankin J, Brockie P, Foster J, Johns N, McKenzie S, Rothery J, Thomas G, Yates S, Miller J, Ritchie S, Burrows L, Fletcher A, Harding A, Laver F, Silva M, Thomson A, Burns P, Chu C, Evans C, Hamer S, Markova I, Miller J, Raman A, Barnes K, Chu C, Hobson E, Jamieson S, Markova I, Thomson J, Toscano J, Wild S, Yardumian P, Bourne C, Clayton C, Dipple H, Clapton J, Grant D, Hallam C, Middleton J, Murch A, Patino D, Bate L, Pate L, Andrews T, Dougherty A, Kavalier F, Golding C, Lashwood A, Robertson D, Ruddy D, Whaite A, Patton M, Peterson M, Rose S, Andrews T, Bruno S, Chu E, Doherty K, Golding, Fillingham K, Foustanos I, O'Donovan K, Peppa N, Tidswell K, Quarrell O.Orth, M; Handley, Oj; Schwenke, C; Dunnett, S; Wild, Ej; Tabrizi, Sj; Landwehrmeyer, Gb; Bachoud-Lévi, Ac; Bentivoglio, Ar; Biunno, I; Bonelli, R; Burgunder, Jm; Dunnett, Sb; Ferreira, Jj; Giuliano, J; Handley, Oj; Heiberg, A; Illmann, T; van Kammen, D; Landwehrmeye, Gb; Levey, J; Nielsen, Je; Päivärinta, M; Roos, Ra; Sebastián, Ar; Tabrizi, Sj; Vandenberghe, W; Verellen-Dumoulin, C; Zaremba, J; Uhrova, T; Wahlström, J; Schwenke, C; Orth, M; Illmann, T; Wallner, M; Barth, K; Guedes, Lc; Finisterra, Am; Garde, Mb; Bos, R; Burg, S; Ecker, D; Handley, Oj; Held, C; Koppers, K; Laurà, M; Descals, Am; Mclean, T; Mestre, T; Minster, S; Monza, D; Townhill, J; Orth, M; Padieu, H; Paterski, L; Peppa, N; Koivisto, Sp; Rialland, A; Røren, N; Sasinková, P; Cubillo, Pt; Tritsch, C; van Walsem, Mr; Witjes-Ané, Mn; Yudina, E; Zielonka, D; Zielonka, E; Zinzi, P; Bonelli, Rm; Herranhof, B; Holl, A; Kapfhammer, Hp; Koppitz, M; Magnet, M; Otti, D; Painold, A; Reisinger, K; Scheibl, M; Hecht, K; Lilek, S; Müller, N; Schöggl, H; Ullah, J; Brugger, F; Hepperger, C; Hotter, A; Mahlknecht, P; Nocker, M; Seppi, K; Wenning, G; Buratti, L; Hametner, Em; Holas, C; Hussl, A; Mair, K; Poewe, W; Wolf, E; Zangerl, A; Braunwarth, Em; Lilek, S; Sinadinosa, D; Walleczek, Am; Bonelli, Rm; Ladurner, G; Staffen, W; Ribaï, P; Verellen-Dumoulin, C; Flamez, A; Morez, V; de Raedt, S; Boogaerts, A; Vandenberghe, W; van Reijen, D; Klempíř, J; Kucharík, M; Roth, J; Šenkárová, Z; Hasholt, L; Hjermind, Le; Jakobsen, O; Nørremølle, A; Sørensen, Sa; Stokholm, J; Nielsen, J; Hiivola, H; Martikainen, K; Tuuha, K; Peippo, M; Sipponen, M; Ignatius, J; Kärppä, M; Åman, J; Santala, M; Allain, P; Guérid, Ma; Gohier, B; Olivier, A; Prundean, A; Scherer-Gagou, C; Verny, C; Babiloni, B; Debruxelles, S; Goizet, C; Lafoucrière, D; De Bruycker, C; Carette, As; Decorte, E; Delval, A; Delliaux, M; Dujardin, K; Peter, M; Plomhouse, L; Simonin, C; Thibault-Tanchou, S; Bellonet, M; Duru, C; Krystkowiak, P; Roussel, M; Wannepain, S; Azulay, Jp; Chabot, C; Delphini, M; Eusebio, A; Grosjean, H; Mundler, L; Nowak, M; Rudolf, G; Steinmetz, G; Tranchant, C; Wagner, C; Zimmermann, Ma; Calvas, F; Cheriet, S; Démonet, Jf; Galitzky, M; Kosinski, Cm; Milkereit, E; Probst, D; Sass, C; Schiefer, J; Schlangen, C; Werner, Cj; Gelderblom, H; Priller, J; Prüss, H; Spruth, Ej; Andrich, J; Hoffmann, R; Kraus, Ph; Muth, S; Prehn, C; Saft, C; Salmen, S; Stamm, C; Steiner, T; Strassburger, K; Lange, H; Friedrich, A; Hunger, U; Löhle, M; Schmidt, S; Storch, A; Wolz, A; Wolz, M; Lambeck, J; Zucker, B; Boelmans, K; Ganos, C; Hidding, U; Lewerenz, J; Münchau, A; Orth, M; Schmalfeld, J; Stubbe, L; Zittel, S; Diercks, G; Gorzolla, H; Schrader, C; Heinicke, W; Ribbat, M; Longinus, B; Bürk, K; Möller, Jc; Rissling, I; Peinemann, A; Städtler, M; Weindl, A; Bechtel, N; Beckmann, H; Bohlen, S; Hölzner, E; Lange, H; Reilmann, R; Rohm, S; Rumpf, S; Schepers, S; Beister, A; Dose, M; Hammer, K; Kieni, J; Leythaeuser, G; Marquard, R; Raab, T; Richter, S; Selimbegovic-Turkovic, A; Schrenk, C; Schuierer, M; Wiedemann, A; Barth, K; Buck, A; Connemann, J; Ecker, D; Eschenbach, C; Held, C; Landwehrmeyer, B; Lezius, F; Nepper, S; Niess, A; Orth, M; Süssmuth, S; Trautmann, S; Weydt, P; Cormio, C; Difruscolo, O; Sciruicchio, V; Serpino, C; de Tommaso, M; Capellari, S; Cortelli, P; Gallassi, R; Poda, R; Rizzo, G; Scaglione, C; Bertini, E; Ghelli, E; Ginestroni, A; Massaro, F; Mechi, C; Paganini, M; Piacentini, S; Pradella, S; Romoli, Am; Sorbi, S; Abbruzzese, G; di Poggio, Mb; Di Maria, E; Ferrandes, G; Mandich, P; Marchese, R; Albanese, A; Di Bella, D; Di Donato, S; Gellera, C; Genitrini, S; Mariotti, C; Monza, D; Nanetti, L; Paridi, D; Soliveri, P; Tomasello, C; De Michele, G; Di Maio, L; Rinaldi, C; Russo, Cv; Salvatore, E; Tucci, T; Cannella, M; Codella, V; De Gregorio, F; De Nicola, N; Martino, T; Simonelli, M; Squitieri, F; Bentivoglio, Ar; Catalli, C; Di Giacopo, R; Fasano, A; Frontali, M; Guidubaldi, A; Ialongo, T; Jacopini, G; Loria, G; Modoni, A; Piano, C; Chiara, P; Quaranta, D; Romano, S; Soleti, F; Spadaro, M; Zinzi, P; van Hout, Ms; van Vugt, Jp; de Weert, Am; Bolwijn, Jj; Dekker, M; Leenders, Kl; van Oostrom, Jc; Bos, R; Dumas, Em; Jurgens, Ck; van den Bogaard, Sj; Roos, Ra; 't Hart, Ep; Witjes-Ané, Mn; Kremer, B; Verstappen, Cc; Heiberg, A; van Walsem, Mr; Frich, J; Wehus, R; Aaserud, O; Borgerød, N; Bjørgo, K; Fannemel, M; Gørvell, P; Pro Koivisto, S; Retterstøl, L; Overland, T; Stokke, B; Bjørnevoll, I; Sando, Sb; Blinkenberg, Eø; Hauge, E; Tyvoll, H; Sitek, E; Slawek, J; Soltan, W; Boczarska-Jedynak, M; Jasinska-Myga, B; Opala, G; Kłodowska-Duda, G; Banaszkiewicz, K; Szczudlik, A; Rudzińska, M; Wójcik, M; Dec, M; Krawczyk, M; Bryl, A; Ciesielska, A; Klimberg, A; Marcinkowski, J; Sempołowicz, J; Zielonka, D; Samara, H; Janik, P; Kalbarczyk, A; Kwiecinski, H; Jamrozik, Z; Antczak, J; Jachinska, K; Rakowicz, M; Richter, P; Ryglewicz, D; Witkowski, G; Zdzienicka, E; Zaremba, J; Sułek, A; Krysa, W; Júlio, F; Januário, C; Mestre, T; Guedes, L; Coelho, M; Mendes, T; Valadas, A; Ferreira, Jj; Timóteo, Â; Costa, C; Vale, J; Cavaco, S; Damásio, J; Magalhães, M; Gago, M; Garrett, C; Guerra, Mr; Solis, P; Herrera, Cd; Garcia, Pm; Barrero, F; Morales, B; Cubo, E; Mariscal, N; Alonso-Frech, F; Perez, Mr; Fenollar, M; García, Rg; Quiroga, Pp; Rivera, Sv; Villanueva, C; Bascuñana, M; Ventura, Mf; Ribas, Gg; de Yébenes, Jg; Moreno, Jl; Cubillo, Pt; Ruíz, Pj; Martínez-Descals, A; Artiga, Mj; Sánchez, V; Perea, Mf; Lorenza, F; Torres, Mm; Reinante, G; Moreau, Lv; Barbera, Ma; Guia, Db; Hernanz, Lc; Catena, Jl; Sebastián, Ar; Ferrer, Pq; Carruesco, Gt; Bas, J; Busquets, N; Calopa, M; Buongiorno, Mt; Muñoz, E; Elorza, Md; López, Cd; Terol, Sd; Robert, Mf; Ruíz, Bg; Casado, Ag; Martínez, Ih; Viladrich, Cm; Pons, i Càrdenas R; Roca, E; Llesoy, Jr; Idiago, Jm; Vergara, Mr; García, Ss; Villa Riballo, A; González, Sg; Guisasola, Lm; Salvador, C; San Martín, Es; Gorospe, A; Legarda, I; Arques, Pn; Rodríguez, Mj; Vives, B; Gaston, I; Ramos-Arroyo, Ma; Moreno, Jm; Peña, Jc; Avarvarei, Ld; Bastida, Am; Recio, Mf; Vergé, Lr; Sánchez, Vs; Carrillo, F; Cáceres, Mt; Mir, P; Suarez, Mj; Bosca, M; Burguera, Ja; Garcia, Ac; Martínez, Lm; del Val, Jl; Loutfi, G; Olofsson, C; Stattin, El; Westman, L; Wikström, B; Höglund, A; Pålhagen, Se; Paucar, M; Sandström, B; Soltani, R; Svenningsson, P; Reza-Soltani, Tw; Constantinescu, R; Fredlund, G; Høsterey-Ugander, U; Neleborn-Lingefjärd, L; Wahlström, J; Esmaeilzadeh, M; Tedroff, J; Winnberg, E; Björn, Y; Ekwall, C; Gøller, Ml; Johansson, A; Wiklund, L; Petersen, Å; Reimer, J; Widner, H; Burgunder, Jm; Burgunder, Y; Stebler, Y; Kaelin, A; Romero, I; Schüpbach, M; Zaugg, Sw; Jack, R; Matheson, K; Miedzybrodzka, Z; Rae, D; Simpson, S; Summers, F; Ure, A; Crooks, J; Curtis, A; de Souza Keylock, J; Rickards, H; Wright, J; Hayward, B; Sieradzan, K; Wright, A; Barker, Ra; Di Pietro, A; Fisher, K; Goodman, A; Hill, S; Kershaw, A; Mason, S; Paterson, N; Raymond, L; Bisson, J; Busse, M; Clenaghan, C; Ellison-Rose, L; Handley, O; Hunt, S; Townhill, J; Price, K; Rosser, A; Edwards, M; Hughes, T; Mcgill, M; Pearson, P; Porteous, M; Smith, P; Zeman, A; Causley, A; Harrower, T; Howcroft, D; Lambord, N; Rankin, J; Brockie, P; Foster, J; Johns, N; Mckenzie, S; Rothery, J; Thomas, G; Yates, S; Miller, J; Ritchie, S; Burrows, L; Fletcher, A; Harding, A; Laver, F; Silva, M; Thomson, A; Burns, P; Chu, C; Evans, C; Hamer, S; Markova, I; Miller, J; Raman, A; Barnes, K; Chu, C; Hobson, E; Jamieson, S; Markova, I; Thomson, J; Toscano, J; Wild, S; Yardumian, P; Bourne, C; Clayton, 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Suicidal ideation in a European Huntington's disease population

BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicate increased prevalences of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and completed suicide in Huntington's disease (HD) compared with the general population. This study investigates correlates and predictors of suicidal ideation in HD. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 2106 HD mutation carriers, all participating in the REGISTRY study of the European Huntington's Disease Network. Of the 1937 participants without suicidal ideation at baseline, 945 had one or more follow-up measurements. Participants were assessed for suicidal ideation by the behavioural subscale of the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS). Correlates of suicidal ideation were analyzed using logistic regression analysis and predictors were analyzed using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: At baseline, 169 (8.0%) mutation carriers endorsed suicidal ideation. Disease duration (odds ratio [OR]=0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9-1.0), anxiety (OR=2.14; 95%CI: 1.4-3.3), aggression (OR=2.41; 95%CI: 1.5-3.8), a previous suicide attempt (OR=3.95; 95%CI: 2.4-6.6), and a depressed mood (OR=13.71; 95%CI: 6.7-28.0) were independently correlated to suicidal ideation at baseline. The 4-year cumulative incidence of suicidal ideation was 9.9%. Longitudinally, the presence of a depressed mood (hazard ratio [HR]=2.05; 95%CI: 1.1-4.0) and use of benzodiazepines (HR=2.44; 95%CI: 1.2-5.0) at baseline were independent predictors of incident suicidal ideation, whereas a previous suicide attempt was not predictive. LIMITATIONS: As suicidal ideation was assessed by only one item, and participants were a selection of all HD mutation carriers, the prevalence of suicidal ideation was likely underestimated. CONCLUSIONS: Suicidal ideation in HD frequently occurs. Assessment of suicidal ideation is a priority in mutation carriers with a depressed mood and in those using benzodiazepines

Identification of genetic variants associated with Huntington's disease progression: a genome-wide association study

Huntington's disease is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene, HTT. Age at onset has been used as a quantitative phenotype in genetic analysis looking for Huntington's disease modifiers, but is hard to define and not always available. Therefore, we aimed to generate a novel measure of disease progression and to identify genetic markers associated with this progression measure