Primary microcephaly case from the Karachay-Cherkess Republic poses an additional support for microcephaly and Seckel syndrome spectrum disorders

Abstract Background Primary microcephaly represents an example of clinically and genetically heterogeneous condition. Here we describe a case of primary microcephaly from the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, which was initially diagnosed with Seckel syndrome. Case presentation Clinical exome sequencing of the proband revealed a novel homozygous single nucleotide deletion in ASPM gene, c.1386delC, resulting in preterm termination codon. Population screening reveals allele frequency to be less than 0.005. Mutations in this gene were not previously associated with Seckel syndrome. Conclusions Our case represents an additional support for the clinical continuum between Seckel Syndrome and primary microcephaly

Controlling the Quality of Nanodrugs According to Their New Property—Radiothermal Emission

Previous studies have shown that complexly shaped nanoparticles (NPs) have their intrinsic radiothermal emission in the millimeter range. This article presents a method for controlling the quality of nanodrugs—immunobiological preparations (IBPs)—based on the detection of their intrinsic radiothermal emissions. The emissivity of interferon (IFN) medicals, determined without opening the primary package, is as follows (µW/m2): IFN-α2b—80 ± 9 (105 IU per package), IFN-β1a—40 ± 5 (24 × 106 IU per package), IFN-γ—30 ± 4 (105 IU per package). The emissivity of virus-like particles (VLP), determined using vaccines Gam-VLP-multivac (120 μg) in an injection bottle (crimp cap vials), was as follows: 12 ± 1 µW/m2, Gam-VLP—rota vaccines—9 ± 1 µW/m2. This study shows the reproducibility of emissivity over the course of a year, subject to the storage conditions of the immunobiological products. It has been shown that accelerated aging and a longer shelf life are accompanied by the coagulation of active NPs, and lead to a manyfold drop in emissivity. The dependence of radiothermal emission on temperature has a complex, non-monotonic nature. The emission intensity depends on the form of dosage, but remains within the order of magnitude for IFN-α2b for intranasal aqueous solution, ointments, and suppositories. The possibility of the remote quantitative control of the first phases of the immune response (increased synthesis of IFNs) to the intranasal administration of VLP vaccines has been demonstrated in experimental animals

Epidemiology of Hereditary Diseases in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic

Prevalence and allelic heterogeneity of hereditary diseases (HDs) could vary significantly in different human populations. Current knowledge of HDs distribution in populations is generally limited to either European data or analyses of isolated populations which were performed several decades ago. Thus, an acknowledgement of the HDs prevalence in different modern open populations is important. The study presents the results of a genetic epidemiological study of hereditary diseases (HDs) in the population of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (KChR). Clinical screening of a population of 410,367 people for the identification of HDs was conducted. The population surveyed is represented by five major ethnic groups—Karachays, Russians, Circassians, Abazins, Nogais. The study of the populations was carried out in accordance with the proprietary protocol of genetic epidemiological examination designed to identify >3500 HDs easily diagnosed during clinical examination by qualified specialists specializing in the HDs. The protocol consists of the population genetic and medical genetic sections and is intended for comprehensive population analysis based on the data on different genetic systems, including the genes of HDs, DNA polymorphisms, demographic data collected during hospital-based survey. 8950 families (with 10,125 patients) with presumably the HDs were initially identified as a result of the survey and data collection through various sources of registration (from 1156 medical workers from 163 medical institutions). A diagnosis of hereditary pathology was established in 1849 patients (from 1295 families). Two hundred and thirty nosological forms were revealed (in 1857 patients from 1295 families). The total prevalence of HDs was 1:221. Differences between populations and ethnic groups were identified: 1:350 in Russians, 1:195 in Karachays, 1:199 in Circassians, 1:218 in Abazins, 1:135 in Nogais. Frequent diseases were determined, the presence of marked genetic heterogeneity was identified during the confirmatory DNA diagnosis. To explain the reasons for the differentiation of populations by load of HD, a correlation analysis was carried out between the FST (random inbreeding) in populations and HDs load values. This analysis showed genetic drift is probably one of the leading factors determining the differentiation of KChR populations by HDs load. For the first time, the size of the load and spectrum of HDs in the populations of the KChR are determined. We have demonstrated genetic drift to be one of the main factors of the population dynamics in studied population. A significant genetic heterogeneity of HDs, both allelic and locus, was revealed in KChR