1,746 research outputs found

    Genetic causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: new genetic analysis methodologies entailing new opportunities and challenges

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    The genetic architecture of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is being increasingly understood. In this far-reaching review, we examine what is currently known about ALS genetics and how these genes were initially identified. We also discuss the various types of mutations that might underlie this fatal neurodegenerative condition and outline some of the strategies that might be useful in untangling them. These include expansions of short repeat sequences, common and low-frequency genetic variations, de novo mutations, epigenetic changes, somatic mutations, epistasis, oligogenic and polygenic hypotheses

    Oregon serious crime survey

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    author, survey administration and data processing: Stan WoodwellCaption titleThis archived document is maintained by the State Library of Oregon as part of the Oregon Documents Depository Program. It is for informational purposes and may not be suitable for legal purposesBureau of Justice Statistics, United States Department of Justice 80-BJ-CX-K009 82-BJ-CX-0002 82-BJ-CX-0014Mode of access: Internet from the Oregon Government Publications CollectionText in Englis

    BJ-TSA-9, a Novel Human Tumor-Specific Gene, Has Potential as a Biomarker of Lung Cancer

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    AbstractUsing bioinformatics, we have identified a novel tumorspecific gene BJ-TSA-9, which has been validated by Northern blot analysis and reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). BJ-TSA-9 mRNA was expressed in 52.5% (21 of 40) of human lung cancer tissues and was especially higher in lung adenocarcinoma (68.8%). To explore the potential application of BJ-TSA-9 for the detection of circulating cancer cells in lung cancer patients, nested RT-PCR was performed. The overall positive detection rate was 34.3% (24 of 70) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with various types of lung cancers and was 53.6% (15 of 28) in PBMCs of lung adenocarcinoma patients. In combination with the detection of two known marker genes SCC and LUNX, the detection rate was increased to 81.4%. A follow-up study was performed in 37 patients after surgical removal of tumor mass. Among nine patients with persistent detection of two to three tumor marker transcripts in PBMCs, six patients had recurrence/metastasis. In contrast, 28 patients with transient detection of one tumor marker or without detection of any tumor marker were all in remission. Thus, BJ-TSA-9 may serve as a marker for lung cancer diagnosis and as a marker, in combination with two other tumor markers, for the prediction of the recurrence and prognosis of lung cancer patients

    The heterogeneity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a possible explanation of treatment failure

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    Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe clinical condition characterized by upper and lower motor neuron degeneration for which there is no truly effective treatment. The absence of an effective treatment can be explained in part by the complex and heterogeneous genetic, biochemical, and clinical features of ALS. While ALS accounts for the majority of the motor neuron diseases, the recognition of disease variants and mimic syndromes may lead to further insights into possible causes for the generality of ALS. From a biochemical perspective, the process of motor neuron degeneration is complex and the multifactorial influences and potential biomarkers of ALS have never been assessed in the light of the clinical heterogeneity of ALS. Several genes and environmental influences have been suggested as possible risk factors of ALS. A better understanding of interactions between these risk factors, potential biomarkers and heterogeneous clinical features may lead to more clearly defined pathological profiles among individuals or groups of ALS patients and in turn lead to more focused therapeutic trial
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