The paper looks at how to regulate access to genetic testing,other than through a medical practitioner as part of health services provision.It examines the steps by which genetic testing services may be obtained from ...The paper looks at how to regulate access to genetic testing,other than through a medical practitioner as part of health services provision.It examines the steps by which genetic testing services may be obtained from laboratories and the implications of these processes for individual access to testing services.It also discusses the quality assurance and accreditation standards which regulate genetic testing laboratories.Further,this paper looks into issues concerning the availability of home use testing or over-the-counter.Furthermore,we consider whether there should be additional legal protection against the taking and testing of genetic samples without the knowledge and consent of the individual concerned through the use of criminal sanctions.展开更多
BACKGROUND Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria(DUH)is a rare type of autosomal dominant inheritance disease.It has varying gene mutation sites among different ethnicities.SASH1 and ABCB6 have been identified as the...BACKGROUND Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria(DUH)is a rare type of autosomal dominant inheritance disease.It has varying gene mutation sites among different ethnicities.SASH1 and ABCB6 have been identified as the causative genes of this disorder.CASE SUMMARY A 30-year-old woman presented with irregular black pigmentation spots to our department.Upon examination,the pigmentations were found to be especially dense on the extremities and the face.She had no family history of inbreeding,nor any previous chemical exposure.Genetic testing confirmed that the disease occu-rred because the patient has a SASH1 gene mutation.Following the use of assisted reproductive technology and preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders,the patient give birth to a health baby.CONCLUSION Using assisted reproductive technology/preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders is an option for DUH patients to reduce the risk of trans-mitting the pathogenic variant to their offspring.展开更多
Hereditary cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias are major contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.The advent of next-generation sequencing(NGS)has made genetic testing more accessible,which is crucial for p...Hereditary cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias are major contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.The advent of next-generation sequencing(NGS)has made genetic testing more accessible,which is crucial for precise diagnosis and targeted therapeutic strategies.The aim of this study is to explore the landscape of genetic variants,the relationship between specific variants and clinical phenotypes,and the impact on clinical decision-making in China.A total of 1536 probands(median age,37 years;1025 males[66.7%])with suspected hereditary cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia(covering 15 clinical phenotypes)are recruited from 146 hospitals across 30 provinces and cities in China.Positive results are confirmed in 390 of 1536 probands,leading to a diagnostic yield of 25.4%.Forty-two and three-tenths percent(n=169)of family members carry the same variants as positive probands.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM)and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)are the predominant phenotypes,with MYBPC3 variants having the highest frequency in HCM and TTN variants in DCM.In 76.9%of the positive probands,the identified variants are helpful in clinical management,family screening,and fertility.This large-scale study provides significant insights into the genetic landscape of hereditary cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias in China.展开更多
The etiopathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases is varied in nature.Various etiogenic factors described are infective,inflammatory,viral,bacterial,parasitic,dietary and lifestyle change.Rare causative agents are imm...The etiopathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases is varied in nature.Various etiogenic factors described are infective,inflammatory,viral,bacterial,parasitic,dietary and lifestyle change.Rare causative agents are immunological,and others associated as idiopathic,are undiagnosed by all possible means.Some of the rare diseases are congenital in nature,passing from the parent to the child.Many of the undiagnosed diseases are now being diagnosed as genetic and the genes have been implicated as a causative agent.There is a search for newer treatments for such diseases,which is called genomic medicine.Genomic medicine is an emerging medical discipline that involves the use of genomic information about an individual.This is used both for diagnostic as well as therapeutic decisions to improve the current health domain and pave the way for policymakers for its clinical use.In the developing era of precision medicine,genomics,epigenomics,environmental exposure,and other data would be used to more accurately guide individual diagnosis and treatment.Genomic medicine is already making an impact in the fields of oncology,pharmacology,rare,infectious and many undiagnosed diseases.It is beginning to fuel new approaches in certain medical specialties.Oncology is at the leading edge of incorporating genomics,as diagnostics for genetic and genomic markers are increasingly included in cancer screening,and to guide tailored treatment strategies.Genetics and genetic medicine have been reported to play a role in gastroenterology in several ways,including genetic testing(hereditary pancreatitis and hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes).Genetic testing can also help subtype diseases,such as classifying pancreatitis as idiopathic or hereditary.Gene therapy is a promising approach for treating gastrointestinal diseases that are not effectively treated by conventional pharmaceuticals and surgeries.Gene therapy strategies include gene addition,gene editing,messenger RNA therapy,and gene silencing.Understanding genetic determinants,advances in genetics,have led to a better understanding of the genetic factors that contribute to human disease.Family-member risk stratification and genetic diagnosis can help identify family members who are at risk,which can lead to preventive treatments,lifestyle recommendations,and routine follow ups.Selecting target genes helps identify the gene targets associated with each gastrointestinal disease.Common gastrointestinal diseases associated with genetic abnormalities include-inflammatory bowel disease,gastroesophageal reflux disease,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,and irritable bowel syndrome.With advancing tools and technology,research in the search of newer and individualized treatment,genes and genetic medicines are expected to play a significant role in human health and gastroenterology.展开更多
BACKGROUND Familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP)is a disorder of autosomal dominant inheritance that is responsible for around 1%of colorectal cancer(CRC)cases.AIM To determine the mutation profile of FAP-specific to th...BACKGROUND Familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP)is a disorder of autosomal dominant inheritance that is responsible for around 1%of colorectal cancer(CRC)cases.AIM To determine the mutation profile of FAP-specific to the Hungarian population.METHODS This prospective single-center study enrolled patients with clinically suspected FAP or attenuated FAP(aFAP).Whole-exome next-generation sequencing was performed to detect variants of 50 FAP priority genes and 173 CRC predisposing genes or other CRC disease-associated genes.To identify larger deletions and insertions,a multiplex amplifiable probe hybridization technique was used.The identified genes were then classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines.RESULTS A total of 26 index patients with clinically suspected FAP(n=21)and aFAP(n=5)were enrolled.APC gene alterations were confirmed in 92.31%of the cases(region 1B deletion,n=2;whole-gene deletion,n=4;frameshift mutation,n=2;nonsense mutation,n=5,and splice mutation,n=1),with the remaining two cases having CHEK2 and MSH3 gene alterations.According to pathogenicity,21 cases had pathogenic mutations,6 cases had likely pathogenic mutations,and 16 cases had variants of unknown significance(VUS).The most frequent of the latter were the POLE(n=5)and PIEZO1(n=4)gene variants.CONCLUSION Germline mutations in the APC gene were confirmed in more than 90%of Hungarian patients with clinically suspected FAP.Although the role of VUS genes is unclear,they are highly likely to play a role in the development of CRC.展开更多
Objective: Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) increases the risk of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. With the insurance coverage for BRCA genetic testing, the number of i...Objective: Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) increases the risk of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. With the insurance coverage for BRCA genetic testing, the number of individuals diagnosed with HBOC has increased. To use these test results effectively, cascade genetic testing (CGT) is recommended for at-risk relatives;however, it is not yet widely available. The purpose of this study was to investigate the willingness of the general population to share genetic test results and undergo CGT, as well as to analyze the factors influencing these decisions. Based on these findings, the study aimed to identify the types of support needed to support the sharing of genetic test results and promote the use of CGT. Methods: An online survey was conducted with 500 participants (50 men and women from each of the five generations, ranging from 20 to 69 years). Results: Among the HBOC blood relatives, 51.2% wanted to share the genetic results and 71.9% expressed a willingness to undergo CGT. “Matters to be shared with relatives” and “Helpful for my cancer prevention” were identified as key factors promoting the willingness to share the BRCA genetic test results and undergo CGT. The motivation for “Helpful for my cancer prevention” had a particularly strong influence on the decision to undergo CGT. Conclusion: In the general population, there is an emerging understanding that the genetic information impacts not only the individuals but also their entire families and can be valuable for cancer prevention. To promote the sharing of BRCA genetic test results and CGT uptake, the healthcare providers should offer support tailored to each family’s circumstances and establish cancer prevention measures recommended for HBOC.展开更多
Congenital heart disease(CHD) is the most common type of birth defect. Traditionally, a polygenic model defined by the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors was hypothesized to account for different ...Congenital heart disease(CHD) is the most common type of birth defect. Traditionally, a polygenic model defined by the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors was hypothesized to account for different forms of CHD. It is now understood that the contribution of genetics to CHD extends beyond a single unified paradigm. For example, monogenic models and chromosomal abnormalities have been associated with various syndromic and non-syndromic forms of CHD. In such instances, genetic investigation and testing may potentially play an important role in clinical care. A family tree with a detailed phenotypic description serves as the initial screening tool to identify potentially inherited defects and to guide further genetic investigation. The selection of a genetic test is contingent upon the particular diagnostic hypothesis generated by clinical examination. Genetic investigation in CHD may carry the potential to improve prognosis by yielding valuable information with regards to personalized medical care, confidence in the clinical diagnosis, and/or targeted patient followup. Moreover, genetic assessment may serve as a tool to predict recurrence risk, define the pattern of inheritance within a family, and evaluate the need for further family screening. In some circumstances, prenatal or preimplantation genetic screening could identify fetuses or embryos at high risk for CHD. Although genetics may appear to constitute a highly specialized sector of cardiology, basic knowledge regarding inheritance patterns, recurrence risks, and available screening and diagnostic tools, including their strengths and limitations, could assist the treating physician in providing sound counsel.展开更多
BACKGROUND Carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)and cytology in pancreatic cystic fluid are suboptimal for evaluation of pancreatic cystic neoplasms.Genetic testing and microforceps biopsy are promising tools for pre-operativ...BACKGROUND Carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)and cytology in pancreatic cystic fluid are suboptimal for evaluation of pancreatic cystic neoplasms.Genetic testing and microforceps biopsy are promising tools for pre-operative diagnostic improvement but comparative performance of both methods is unknown.AIM To compare the accuracy of genetic testing and microforceps biopsy in pancreatic cysts referred for surgery.METHODS We performed a literature search in Medline,Scopus,and Web of Science for studies evaluating genetic testing of cystic fluid and microforceps biopsy of pancreatic cysts,with endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration(EUSFNA)prior to surgery and surgical pathology as reference standard for diagnosis.We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy for:1-benign cysts;2-mucinous low-risk cysts;3-high-risk cysts,and the diagnostic yield and rate of correctly identified cysts with microforceps biopsy and molecular analysis.We also assessed publication bias,heterogeneity,and study quality.RESULTS Eight studies,including 1206 patients,of which 203(17%)referred for surgery who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed in the systematic review,and seven studies were included in the meta-analysis.Genetic testing and microforceps biopsies were identical for diagnosis of benign cysts.Molecular analysis was superior for diagnosis of both low and high-risk mucinous cysts,with sensitivities of 0.89(95%CI:0.79-0.95)and 0.57(95%CI:0.42-0.71),specificities of 0.88(95%CI:0.75-0.95)and 0.88(95%CI:0.80-0.93)and AUC of 0.9555 and 0.92,respectively.The diagnostic yield was higher in microforceps biopsies than in genetic analysis(0.73 vs 0.54,respectively)but the rates of correctly identified cysts were identical(0.73 with 95%CI:0.62-0.82 vs 0.71 with 95%CI:0.49-0.86,respectively).CONCLUSION Genetic testing and microforceps biopsies are useful second tests,with identical results in benign pancreatic cysts.Genetic analysis performs better for low-and high-risk cysts but has lower diagnostic yield.展开更多
Next generation sequencing is currently a cornerstone of genetic testing in routine diagnostics,allowing for the detection of sequence variants with so far unprecedented large scale,mainly in genetically heterogenous ...Next generation sequencing is currently a cornerstone of genetic testing in routine diagnostics,allowing for the detection of sequence variants with so far unprecedented large scale,mainly in genetically heterogenous diseases,such as neurological disorders.It is a fast-moving field,where new wet enrichment protocols and bioinformatics tools are constantly being developed to overcome initial limitations.Despite the as yet undiscussed advantages,however,there are still some challenges in data analysis and the interpretation of variants.In this review,we address the current state of next generation sequencing diagnostic testing for inherited human disorders,particularly giving an overview of the available high-throughput sequencing approaches;including targeted,whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing;and discussing the main critical aspects of the bioinformatic process,from raw data analysis to molecular diagnosis.展开更多
In Pakistan which ranked second in terms of hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection, it is highly needed to have an established diagnostic test for antiviral therapy responseprediction. Interleukin 28B(IL-28B) genetic testin...In Pakistan which ranked second in terms of hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection, it is highly needed to have an established diagnostic test for antiviral therapy responseprediction. Interleukin 28B(IL-28B) genetic testing is widely used throughout the world for interferon based therapy prediction for HCV patients and is quite helpful not only for health care workers but also for the patients. There is a strong relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms at or near the IL-28 B gene and the sustained virological response with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Pakistan is a resource limited country, with very low per capita income and there is no proper social security(health insurance) system. The allocated health budget by the government is very low and is used on other health emergencies like polio virus and dengue virus infection. Therefore it is proposed that there should be a well established diagnostic test on the basis of IL-28 B which can predict the antiviral therapy response to strengthen health care set-up of Pakistan. This test once established will help in better management of HCV infected patients.展开更多
Invasive genetic screening of pre-implantation embryos via biopsied trophectoderm(TE)cells has been in use for more than 20 years,while its benefits in selecting euploid embryos remain controversial.Recent advances in...Invasive genetic screening of pre-implantation embryos via biopsied trophectoderm(TE)cells has been in use for more than 20 years,while its benefits in selecting euploid embryos remain controversial.Recent advances in the ability to process embryonic cell-free DNA(cfDNA)from blastocoel fluid(BF)and spent culture media(SCM)of blastocysts in a manner similar to that of a biopsied TE sample provide a potential alternative holding great promise for obtaining cytogenetic information of the embryos without intrusive biopsy of traditional biopsy-based pre-implantation genetic testing(PGT).Several studies have reported even higher diagnostic accuracy in non-invasive PGT(ni-PGT)than conventional PGT.However,there are still several technical challenges to be overcome before ni-PGT can be accepted as a reliable genomic information source of embryo.In this review,we have summarized the emergence and current state of ni-PGT,and discussed our own perspectives on their limitations and future prospect.There is still a long way to go before truly wide clinical application of ni-PGT.展开更多
Clinical testing of patients for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes began in the mid-1990s with the identification of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.Since then,mutations in dozens of other genes have been corre...Clinical testing of patients for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes began in the mid-1990s with the identification of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.Since then,mutations in dozens of other genes have been correlated to increased breast,ovarian,and other cancer risk.The following decades of data collection and patient advocacy allowed for improvements in medical,legal,social,and ethical advances in genetic testing.Technological advances have made it possible to sequence multiple genes at once in a panel to give patients a more thorough evaluation of their personal cancer risk.Panel testing increases the detection of mutations that lead to increased risk of breast,ovarian,and other cancers and can better guide individualized screening measures compared to limited BRCA testing alone.At the same time,multi-gene panel testing is more time-and cost-efficient.While the clinical application of panel testing is in its infancy,many problems arise such as lack of guidelines for management of newly identified gene mutations,high rates of variants of uncertain significance,and limited ability to screen for some cancers.Through on-going concerted efforts of pooled data collection and analysis,it is likely that the benefits of multi-gene panel testing will outweigh the risks in the near future.展开更多
Regression testing is a widely used approach to confirm the correct functionality of the software in incremental development.The use of test cases makes it easier to test the ripple effect of changed requirements.Rigo...Regression testing is a widely used approach to confirm the correct functionality of the software in incremental development.The use of test cases makes it easier to test the ripple effect of changed requirements.Rigorous testingmay help in meeting the quality criteria that is based on the conformance to the requirements as given by the intended stakeholders.However,a minimized and prioritized set of test cases may reduce the efforts and time required for testingwhile focusing on the timely delivery of the software application.In this research,a technique named Test Reduce has been presented to get a minimal set of test cases based on high priority to ensure that the web applicationmeets the required quality criteria.A new technique TestReduce is proposed with a blend of genetic algorithm to find an optimized and minimal set of test cases.The ultimate objective associated with this study is to provide a technique that may solve the minimization problem of regression test cases in the case of linked requirements.In this research,the 100-Dollar prioritization approach is used to define the priority of the new requirements.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of early-stage breast cancer patients with indications for breast cancer susceptibility genes 1/2(BRCA1/2)genetic testing in Chin...Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of early-stage breast cancer patients with indications for breast cancer susceptibility genes 1/2(BRCA1/2)genetic testing in China.Methods:Based on the indication criteria for BRCA genetic testing specified in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network(NCCN)clinical practice guidelines in oncology,genetic/familial high-risk assessment:Breast and ovarian(Version 2.2019),a retrospective analysis was performed on patients with early-stage invasive breast cancer treated at Breast Disease Center,Peking University First Hospital between January 2008 and December 2016.Clinicopathological characteristics of all patients were analyzed,and prognoses were calculated using the KaplanMeier method and a Cox proportionate hazards model.Results:A total of 906 early-stage breast cancer patients who had indications for BRCA genetic testing and had complete clinicopathological data and follow-up information were included in the study group,accounting for34.7%of all breast cancer patients treated in Breast Disease Center,Peking University First Hospital during the study period.Compared with breast cancer patients without indications for BRCA genetic testing,the overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)of patients with indications were not significantly different.In the study group,patients with premenopausal status,high T stage,lymph node positive,estrogen receptor(ER)negative,Ki-67>20%and presence of a vascular tumor thrombus had worse prognosis.There were more family histories of gastrointestinal cancer in patients with related indications than in patients without such indications.Conclusions:Single-center data showed that more than 30%of patients with early-stage breast cancer had indications for BRCA genetic testing.There was no prognostic difference in patients with or without indications for BRCA genetic testing.Premenopausal status,high T stage,lymph node positive,ER negative,Ki-67>20%,and presence of a vascular tumor thrombus were associated with poor prognosis.展开更多
The introduction of next-generation sequencing(NGS) technology in testing for hereditary cancer susceptibility allows testing of multiple cancer susceptibility genes simultaneously. While there are many potential bene...The introduction of next-generation sequencing(NGS) technology in testing for hereditary cancer susceptibility allows testing of multiple cancer susceptibility genes simultaneously. While there are many potential benefits to utilizing this technology in the hereditary cancer clinic, including efficiency of time and cost, there are also important limitations that must be considered. The best panel for the given clinical situation should be selected to minimize the number of variants of unknown significance. The inclusion in panels of low penetrance or newly identified genes without specific actionability can be problematic for interpretation.Genetic counselors are an essential part of the hereditary cancer risk assessment team, helping the medical team select the most appropriate test and interpret the often complex results. Genetic counselors obtain an extended family history, counsel patients on the available tests and the potential implications of results for themselves and their family members(pre-test counseling), explain to patients the implications of the test results(post-test counseling), and assist in testing family members at risk.展开更多
Next generations sequencing (NGS) is definitely one of the most revolutionary technology of the last years in genetic and medical field (Kricka and Di Resta, 2013). It brought important changes in genetic testing of i...Next generations sequencing (NGS) is definitely one of the most revolutionary technology of the last years in genetic and medical field (Kricka and Di Resta, 2013). It brought important changes in genetic testing of inherited human disorders, in particular in neurological Mendelian forms, such as inherited neuropathies, ataxias or monogenic form of epilepsy, where “diagnostic odyssey” is quite common.展开更多
Recent advances in cardiovascular genetics have transformed genetic testing into a valuable part of management of families with inherited cardiomyopathies.As novel mutations have been identified,understanding when to ...Recent advances in cardiovascular genetics have transformed genetic testing into a valuable part of management of families with inherited cardiomyopathies.As novel mutations have been identified,understanding when to consider genetic testing has emerged as an important consideration in the management of these cases.Specific genetic testing has a paramount importance in the risk stratification of family members,in the prognosis of probands at higher risk of a serious phenotype expression,and finally in the identification of new mutations,all of which are discussed in this review.The indications for each type of cardiomyopathy are described,along with the limitations of genetic testing.Finally,the importance of public sharing of variants in large data sets is emphasized.The ultimate aim of this review is to present key messages about the genetic testing process in order to minimize potential harms and provide suggestions to specialized clinicians who act as a part of a multidisciplinary team in order to offer the best care to families with inherited cardiomyopathies.展开更多
Test Case Prioritization(TCP)techniques perform better than other regression test optimization techniques including Test Suite Reduction(TSR)and Test Case Selection(TCS).Many TCP techniques are available,and their per...Test Case Prioritization(TCP)techniques perform better than other regression test optimization techniques including Test Suite Reduction(TSR)and Test Case Selection(TCS).Many TCP techniques are available,and their performance is usually measured through a metric Average Percentage of Fault Detection(APFD).This metric is value-neutral because it only works well when all test cases have the same cost,and all faults have the same severity.Using APFD for performance evaluation of test case orders where test cases cost or faults severity varies is prone to produce false results.Therefore,using the right metric for performance evaluation of TCP techniques is very important to get reliable and correct results.In this paper,two value-based TCP techniques have been introduced using Genetic Algorithm(GA)including Value-Cognizant Fault Detection-Based TCP(VCFDB-TCP)and Value-Cognizant Requirements Coverage-Based TCP(VCRCB-TCP).Two novel value-based performance evaluation metrics are also introduced for value-based TCP including Average Percentage of Fault Detection per value(APFDv)and Average Percentage of Requirements Coverage per value(APRCv).Two case studies are performed to validate proposed techniques and performance evaluation metrics.The proposed GA-based techniques outperformed the existing state-of-the-art TCP techniques including Original Order(OO),Reverse Order(REV-O),Random Order(RO),and Greedy algorithm.展开更多
BACKGROUND CYP21A2 gene mutations may all cause reduction or loss of 21-hydroxylase activity,leading to development of congenital adrenal hyperplasia(CAH)with different clinical phenotypes.For families with CAH childr...BACKGROUND CYP21A2 gene mutations may all cause reduction or loss of 21-hydroxylase activity,leading to development of congenital adrenal hyperplasia(CAH)with different clinical phenotypes.For families with CAH children,genetic testing of the parents and genetic counseling are recommended to assess the risk of recurrence.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of CAH with a high suspicion before delivery.The risk of the child suffering from CAH during the pregnancy had been underestimated due to the deviation of genetic counseling and genetic testing results.Our report confirmed a CYP21A2 homozygous deletion in this case,CYP21A2 heterozygous deletion in the mother,and a rare 2+0 CYP21A2 deletion in the father.CONCLUSION It is important to analyze the distribution of CYP21A2 gene in the two alleles of parents of children with CAH.展开更多
Recent advancements in next generation sequencing have allowed for genetic information become more readily available in the clinical setting for those affected by cancer and by treating clinicians.Given the lack of ac...Recent advancements in next generation sequencing have allowed for genetic information become more readily available in the clinical setting for those affected by cancer and by treating clinicians.Given the lack of access to geneticists,medical oncologists and other treating physicians have begun ordering and interpreting genetic tests for individuals with cancer through the process of"mainstreaming".While this process has allowed for quicker access to genetic tests,the process of"mainstreaming"has also brought several challenges including the dissemination of variants of unknown significance results,ordering of appropriate tests,and accurate interpretation of genetic results with appropriate followup testing and interventions.In this editorial,we seek to explore the process of informed consent of individuals before obtaining genetic testing and offer potential solutions to optimize the informed consent process including categorization of results as well as a layered consent model.展开更多
文摘The paper looks at how to regulate access to genetic testing,other than through a medical practitioner as part of health services provision.It examines the steps by which genetic testing services may be obtained from laboratories and the implications of these processes for individual access to testing services.It also discusses the quality assurance and accreditation standards which regulate genetic testing laboratories.Further,this paper looks into issues concerning the availability of home use testing or over-the-counter.Furthermore,we consider whether there should be additional legal protection against the taking and testing of genetic samples without the knowledge and consent of the individual concerned through the use of criminal sanctions.
文摘BACKGROUND Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria(DUH)is a rare type of autosomal dominant inheritance disease.It has varying gene mutation sites among different ethnicities.SASH1 and ABCB6 have been identified as the causative genes of this disorder.CASE SUMMARY A 30-year-old woman presented with irregular black pigmentation spots to our department.Upon examination,the pigmentations were found to be especially dense on the extremities and the face.She had no family history of inbreeding,nor any previous chemical exposure.Genetic testing confirmed that the disease occu-rred because the patient has a SASH1 gene mutation.Following the use of assisted reproductive technology and preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders,the patient give birth to a health baby.CONCLUSION Using assisted reproductive technology/preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders is an option for DUH patients to reduce the risk of trans-mitting the pathogenic variant to their offspring.
基金supported by Science,Technology&Innovation Project of Xiongan New Area(2023XAGG0069)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFC2703100)+2 种基金National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding(2022-PUMCH-D-002)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(824B2011 to Z.W.)National High Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding(2023-PUMCH-E-012).
文摘Hereditary cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias are major contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.The advent of next-generation sequencing(NGS)has made genetic testing more accessible,which is crucial for precise diagnosis and targeted therapeutic strategies.The aim of this study is to explore the landscape of genetic variants,the relationship between specific variants and clinical phenotypes,and the impact on clinical decision-making in China.A total of 1536 probands(median age,37 years;1025 males[66.7%])with suspected hereditary cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia(covering 15 clinical phenotypes)are recruited from 146 hospitals across 30 provinces and cities in China.Positive results are confirmed in 390 of 1536 probands,leading to a diagnostic yield of 25.4%.Forty-two and three-tenths percent(n=169)of family members carry the same variants as positive probands.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM)and dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)are the predominant phenotypes,with MYBPC3 variants having the highest frequency in HCM and TTN variants in DCM.In 76.9%of the positive probands,the identified variants are helpful in clinical management,family screening,and fertility.This large-scale study provides significant insights into the genetic landscape of hereditary cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias in China.
文摘The etiopathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases is varied in nature.Various etiogenic factors described are infective,inflammatory,viral,bacterial,parasitic,dietary and lifestyle change.Rare causative agents are immunological,and others associated as idiopathic,are undiagnosed by all possible means.Some of the rare diseases are congenital in nature,passing from the parent to the child.Many of the undiagnosed diseases are now being diagnosed as genetic and the genes have been implicated as a causative agent.There is a search for newer treatments for such diseases,which is called genomic medicine.Genomic medicine is an emerging medical discipline that involves the use of genomic information about an individual.This is used both for diagnostic as well as therapeutic decisions to improve the current health domain and pave the way for policymakers for its clinical use.In the developing era of precision medicine,genomics,epigenomics,environmental exposure,and other data would be used to more accurately guide individual diagnosis and treatment.Genomic medicine is already making an impact in the fields of oncology,pharmacology,rare,infectious and many undiagnosed diseases.It is beginning to fuel new approaches in certain medical specialties.Oncology is at the leading edge of incorporating genomics,as diagnostics for genetic and genomic markers are increasingly included in cancer screening,and to guide tailored treatment strategies.Genetics and genetic medicine have been reported to play a role in gastroenterology in several ways,including genetic testing(hereditary pancreatitis and hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes).Genetic testing can also help subtype diseases,such as classifying pancreatitis as idiopathic or hereditary.Gene therapy is a promising approach for treating gastrointestinal diseases that are not effectively treated by conventional pharmaceuticals and surgeries.Gene therapy strategies include gene addition,gene editing,messenger RNA therapy,and gene silencing.Understanding genetic determinants,advances in genetics,have led to a better understanding of the genetic factors that contribute to human disease.Family-member risk stratification and genetic diagnosis can help identify family members who are at risk,which can lead to preventive treatments,lifestyle recommendations,and routine follow ups.Selecting target genes helps identify the gene targets associated with each gastrointestinal disease.Common gastrointestinal diseases associated with genetic abnormalities include-inflammatory bowel disease,gastroesophageal reflux disease,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,and irritable bowel syndrome.With advancing tools and technology,research in the search of newer and individualized treatment,genes and genetic medicines are expected to play a significant role in human health and gastroenterology.
基金Supported by the Research Grants of the National Research,Development and Innovation Office,No.K125377,No.K134863 and No.K143549New National Excellence Program of the Ministry of Human Capacities,No.UNKP-20-5-SZTE-161,No.UNKP-22-3-SZTE-233,No.UNKP-23-5-SZTE-719,No.UNKP-22-4-SZTE-296 and No.UNKP-22-3-SZTE-278+1 种基金Janos Bolyai Research Grant,No.BO/00723/22the Géza Hetényi Research Grant by Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School,University of Szeged.
文摘BACKGROUND Familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP)is a disorder of autosomal dominant inheritance that is responsible for around 1%of colorectal cancer(CRC)cases.AIM To determine the mutation profile of FAP-specific to the Hungarian population.METHODS This prospective single-center study enrolled patients with clinically suspected FAP or attenuated FAP(aFAP).Whole-exome next-generation sequencing was performed to detect variants of 50 FAP priority genes and 173 CRC predisposing genes or other CRC disease-associated genes.To identify larger deletions and insertions,a multiplex amplifiable probe hybridization technique was used.The identified genes were then classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines.RESULTS A total of 26 index patients with clinically suspected FAP(n=21)and aFAP(n=5)were enrolled.APC gene alterations were confirmed in 92.31%of the cases(region 1B deletion,n=2;whole-gene deletion,n=4;frameshift mutation,n=2;nonsense mutation,n=5,and splice mutation,n=1),with the remaining two cases having CHEK2 and MSH3 gene alterations.According to pathogenicity,21 cases had pathogenic mutations,6 cases had likely pathogenic mutations,and 16 cases had variants of unknown significance(VUS).The most frequent of the latter were the POLE(n=5)and PIEZO1(n=4)gene variants.CONCLUSION Germline mutations in the APC gene were confirmed in more than 90%of Hungarian patients with clinically suspected FAP.Although the role of VUS genes is unclear,they are highly likely to play a role in the development of CRC.
文摘Objective: Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) increases the risk of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. With the insurance coverage for BRCA genetic testing, the number of individuals diagnosed with HBOC has increased. To use these test results effectively, cascade genetic testing (CGT) is recommended for at-risk relatives;however, it is not yet widely available. The purpose of this study was to investigate the willingness of the general population to share genetic test results and undergo CGT, as well as to analyze the factors influencing these decisions. Based on these findings, the study aimed to identify the types of support needed to support the sharing of genetic test results and promote the use of CGT. Methods: An online survey was conducted with 500 participants (50 men and women from each of the five generations, ranging from 20 to 69 years). Results: Among the HBOC blood relatives, 51.2% wanted to share the genetic results and 71.9% expressed a willingness to undergo CGT. “Matters to be shared with relatives” and “Helpful for my cancer prevention” were identified as key factors promoting the willingness to share the BRCA genetic test results and undergo CGT. The motivation for “Helpful for my cancer prevention” had a particularly strong influence on the decision to undergo CGT. Conclusion: In the general population, there is an emerging understanding that the genetic information impacts not only the individuals but also their entire families and can be valuable for cancer prevention. To promote the sharing of BRCA genetic test results and CGT uptake, the healthcare providers should offer support tailored to each family’s circumstances and establish cancer prevention measures recommended for HBOC.
基金Supported by A Canada research chair in electrophysiology and adult congenital heart disease(Paul Khairy)
文摘Congenital heart disease(CHD) is the most common type of birth defect. Traditionally, a polygenic model defined by the interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors was hypothesized to account for different forms of CHD. It is now understood that the contribution of genetics to CHD extends beyond a single unified paradigm. For example, monogenic models and chromosomal abnormalities have been associated with various syndromic and non-syndromic forms of CHD. In such instances, genetic investigation and testing may potentially play an important role in clinical care. A family tree with a detailed phenotypic description serves as the initial screening tool to identify potentially inherited defects and to guide further genetic investigation. The selection of a genetic test is contingent upon the particular diagnostic hypothesis generated by clinical examination. Genetic investigation in CHD may carry the potential to improve prognosis by yielding valuable information with regards to personalized medical care, confidence in the clinical diagnosis, and/or targeted patient followup. Moreover, genetic assessment may serve as a tool to predict recurrence risk, define the pattern of inheritance within a family, and evaluate the need for further family screening. In some circumstances, prenatal or preimplantation genetic screening could identify fetuses or embryos at high risk for CHD. Although genetics may appear to constitute a highly specialized sector of cardiology, basic knowledge regarding inheritance patterns, recurrence risks, and available screening and diagnostic tools, including their strengths and limitations, could assist the treating physician in providing sound counsel.
文摘BACKGROUND Carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)and cytology in pancreatic cystic fluid are suboptimal for evaluation of pancreatic cystic neoplasms.Genetic testing and microforceps biopsy are promising tools for pre-operative diagnostic improvement but comparative performance of both methods is unknown.AIM To compare the accuracy of genetic testing and microforceps biopsy in pancreatic cysts referred for surgery.METHODS We performed a literature search in Medline,Scopus,and Web of Science for studies evaluating genetic testing of cystic fluid and microforceps biopsy of pancreatic cysts,with endoscopic ultrasound with fine-needle aspiration(EUSFNA)prior to surgery and surgical pathology as reference standard for diagnosis.We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy for:1-benign cysts;2-mucinous low-risk cysts;3-high-risk cysts,and the diagnostic yield and rate of correctly identified cysts with microforceps biopsy and molecular analysis.We also assessed publication bias,heterogeneity,and study quality.RESULTS Eight studies,including 1206 patients,of which 203(17%)referred for surgery who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed in the systematic review,and seven studies were included in the meta-analysis.Genetic testing and microforceps biopsies were identical for diagnosis of benign cysts.Molecular analysis was superior for diagnosis of both low and high-risk mucinous cysts,with sensitivities of 0.89(95%CI:0.79-0.95)and 0.57(95%CI:0.42-0.71),specificities of 0.88(95%CI:0.75-0.95)and 0.88(95%CI:0.80-0.93)and AUC of 0.9555 and 0.92,respectively.The diagnostic yield was higher in microforceps biopsies than in genetic analysis(0.73 vs 0.54,respectively)but the rates of correctly identified cysts were identical(0.73 with 95%CI:0.62-0.82 vs 0.71 with 95%CI:0.49-0.86,respectively).CONCLUSION Genetic testing and microforceps biopsies are useful second tests,with identical results in benign pancreatic cysts.Genetic analysis performs better for low-and high-risk cysts but has lower diagnostic yield.
文摘Next generation sequencing is currently a cornerstone of genetic testing in routine diagnostics,allowing for the detection of sequence variants with so far unprecedented large scale,mainly in genetically heterogenous diseases,such as neurological disorders.It is a fast-moving field,where new wet enrichment protocols and bioinformatics tools are constantly being developed to overcome initial limitations.Despite the as yet undiscussed advantages,however,there are still some challenges in data analysis and the interpretation of variants.In this review,we address the current state of next generation sequencing diagnostic testing for inherited human disorders,particularly giving an overview of the available high-throughput sequencing approaches;including targeted,whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing;and discussing the main critical aspects of the bioinformatic process,from raw data analysis to molecular diagnosis.
文摘In Pakistan which ranked second in terms of hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection, it is highly needed to have an established diagnostic test for antiviral therapy responseprediction. Interleukin 28B(IL-28B) genetic testing is widely used throughout the world for interferon based therapy prediction for HCV patients and is quite helpful not only for health care workers but also for the patients. There is a strong relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms at or near the IL-28 B gene and the sustained virological response with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Pakistan is a resource limited country, with very low per capita income and there is no proper social security(health insurance) system. The allocated health budget by the government is very low and is used on other health emergencies like polio virus and dengue virus infection. Therefore it is proposed that there should be a well established diagnostic test on the basis of IL-28 B which can predict the antiviral therapy response to strengthen health care set-up of Pakistan. This test once established will help in better management of HCV infected patients.
基金We thank professors Cynthia Casson Morton and Yiping Shen from Harvard Medical School and professor Sharon YC Ruan from Hong Kong Polytechnic University for revising the manuscript.This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFC1005003)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81974224,81771535)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province(LZ18H040001,LQ19H040007)Zhejiang Provincial Key Medical Technology Program(WKJ-ZJ-1826)Zhejiang University Education Foundation Global Partnership Fund.The authors declared no conflict of interest.
文摘Invasive genetic screening of pre-implantation embryos via biopsied trophectoderm(TE)cells has been in use for more than 20 years,while its benefits in selecting euploid embryos remain controversial.Recent advances in the ability to process embryonic cell-free DNA(cfDNA)from blastocoel fluid(BF)and spent culture media(SCM)of blastocysts in a manner similar to that of a biopsied TE sample provide a potential alternative holding great promise for obtaining cytogenetic information of the embryos without intrusive biopsy of traditional biopsy-based pre-implantation genetic testing(PGT).Several studies have reported even higher diagnostic accuracy in non-invasive PGT(ni-PGT)than conventional PGT.However,there are still several technical challenges to be overcome before ni-PGT can be accepted as a reliable genomic information source of embryo.In this review,we have summarized the emergence and current state of ni-PGT,and discussed our own perspectives on their limitations and future prospect.There is still a long way to go before truly wide clinical application of ni-PGT.
文摘Clinical testing of patients for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes began in the mid-1990s with the identification of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.Since then,mutations in dozens of other genes have been correlated to increased breast,ovarian,and other cancer risk.The following decades of data collection and patient advocacy allowed for improvements in medical,legal,social,and ethical advances in genetic testing.Technological advances have made it possible to sequence multiple genes at once in a panel to give patients a more thorough evaluation of their personal cancer risk.Panel testing increases the detection of mutations that lead to increased risk of breast,ovarian,and other cancers and can better guide individualized screening measures compared to limited BRCA testing alone.At the same time,multi-gene panel testing is more time-and cost-efficient.While the clinical application of panel testing is in its infancy,many problems arise such as lack of guidelines for management of newly identified gene mutations,high rates of variants of uncertain significance,and limited ability to screen for some cancers.Through on-going concerted efforts of pooled data collection and analysis,it is likely that the benefits of multi-gene panel testing will outweigh the risks in the near future.
基金The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University for funding this work through Large Groups,Project under grant number RGP.2/49/43.
文摘Regression testing is a widely used approach to confirm the correct functionality of the software in incremental development.The use of test cases makes it easier to test the ripple effect of changed requirements.Rigorous testingmay help in meeting the quality criteria that is based on the conformance to the requirements as given by the intended stakeholders.However,a minimized and prioritized set of test cases may reduce the efforts and time required for testingwhile focusing on the timely delivery of the software application.In this research,a technique named Test Reduce has been presented to get a minimal set of test cases based on high priority to ensure that the web applicationmeets the required quality criteria.A new technique TestReduce is proposed with a blend of genetic algorithm to find an optimized and minimal set of test cases.The ultimate objective associated with this study is to provide a technique that may solve the minimization problem of regression test cases in the case of linked requirements.In this research,the 100-Dollar prioritization approach is used to define the priority of the new requirements.
文摘Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of early-stage breast cancer patients with indications for breast cancer susceptibility genes 1/2(BRCA1/2)genetic testing in China.Methods:Based on the indication criteria for BRCA genetic testing specified in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network(NCCN)clinical practice guidelines in oncology,genetic/familial high-risk assessment:Breast and ovarian(Version 2.2019),a retrospective analysis was performed on patients with early-stage invasive breast cancer treated at Breast Disease Center,Peking University First Hospital between January 2008 and December 2016.Clinicopathological characteristics of all patients were analyzed,and prognoses were calculated using the KaplanMeier method and a Cox proportionate hazards model.Results:A total of 906 early-stage breast cancer patients who had indications for BRCA genetic testing and had complete clinicopathological data and follow-up information were included in the study group,accounting for34.7%of all breast cancer patients treated in Breast Disease Center,Peking University First Hospital during the study period.Compared with breast cancer patients without indications for BRCA genetic testing,the overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)of patients with indications were not significantly different.In the study group,patients with premenopausal status,high T stage,lymph node positive,estrogen receptor(ER)negative,Ki-67>20%and presence of a vascular tumor thrombus had worse prognosis.There were more family histories of gastrointestinal cancer in patients with related indications than in patients without such indications.Conclusions:Single-center data showed that more than 30%of patients with early-stage breast cancer had indications for BRCA genetic testing.There was no prognostic difference in patients with or without indications for BRCA genetic testing.Premenopausal status,high T stage,lymph node positive,ER negative,Ki-67>20%,and presence of a vascular tumor thrombus were associated with poor prognosis.
文摘The introduction of next-generation sequencing(NGS) technology in testing for hereditary cancer susceptibility allows testing of multiple cancer susceptibility genes simultaneously. While there are many potential benefits to utilizing this technology in the hereditary cancer clinic, including efficiency of time and cost, there are also important limitations that must be considered. The best panel for the given clinical situation should be selected to minimize the number of variants of unknown significance. The inclusion in panels of low penetrance or newly identified genes without specific actionability can be problematic for interpretation.Genetic counselors are an essential part of the hereditary cancer risk assessment team, helping the medical team select the most appropriate test and interpret the often complex results. Genetic counselors obtain an extended family history, counsel patients on the available tests and the potential implications of results for themselves and their family members(pre-test counseling), explain to patients the implications of the test results(post-test counseling), and assist in testing family members at risk.
文摘Next generations sequencing (NGS) is definitely one of the most revolutionary technology of the last years in genetic and medical field (Kricka and Di Resta, 2013). It brought important changes in genetic testing of inherited human disorders, in particular in neurological Mendelian forms, such as inherited neuropathies, ataxias or monogenic form of epilepsy, where “diagnostic odyssey” is quite common.
文摘Recent advances in cardiovascular genetics have transformed genetic testing into a valuable part of management of families with inherited cardiomyopathies.As novel mutations have been identified,understanding when to consider genetic testing has emerged as an important consideration in the management of these cases.Specific genetic testing has a paramount importance in the risk stratification of family members,in the prognosis of probands at higher risk of a serious phenotype expression,and finally in the identification of new mutations,all of which are discussed in this review.The indications for each type of cardiomyopathy are described,along with the limitations of genetic testing.Finally,the importance of public sharing of variants in large data sets is emphasized.The ultimate aim of this review is to present key messages about the genetic testing process in order to minimize potential harms and provide suggestions to specialized clinicians who act as a part of a multidisciplinary team in order to offer the best care to families with inherited cardiomyopathies.
文摘Test Case Prioritization(TCP)techniques perform better than other regression test optimization techniques including Test Suite Reduction(TSR)and Test Case Selection(TCS).Many TCP techniques are available,and their performance is usually measured through a metric Average Percentage of Fault Detection(APFD).This metric is value-neutral because it only works well when all test cases have the same cost,and all faults have the same severity.Using APFD for performance evaluation of test case orders where test cases cost or faults severity varies is prone to produce false results.Therefore,using the right metric for performance evaluation of TCP techniques is very important to get reliable and correct results.In this paper,two value-based TCP techniques have been introduced using Genetic Algorithm(GA)including Value-Cognizant Fault Detection-Based TCP(VCFDB-TCP)and Value-Cognizant Requirements Coverage-Based TCP(VCRCB-TCP).Two novel value-based performance evaluation metrics are also introduced for value-based TCP including Average Percentage of Fault Detection per value(APFDv)and Average Percentage of Requirements Coverage per value(APRCv).Two case studies are performed to validate proposed techniques and performance evaluation metrics.The proposed GA-based techniques outperformed the existing state-of-the-art TCP techniques including Original Order(OO),Reverse Order(REV-O),Random Order(RO),and Greedy algorithm.
基金Supported by the Fundamental Research Funds of Health Commission of Sichuan Province,No.17ZD035.
文摘BACKGROUND CYP21A2 gene mutations may all cause reduction or loss of 21-hydroxylase activity,leading to development of congenital adrenal hyperplasia(CAH)with different clinical phenotypes.For families with CAH children,genetic testing of the parents and genetic counseling are recommended to assess the risk of recurrence.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of CAH with a high suspicion before delivery.The risk of the child suffering from CAH during the pregnancy had been underestimated due to the deviation of genetic counseling and genetic testing results.Our report confirmed a CYP21A2 homozygous deletion in this case,CYP21A2 heterozygous deletion in the mother,and a rare 2+0 CYP21A2 deletion in the father.CONCLUSION It is important to analyze the distribution of CYP21A2 gene in the two alleles of parents of children with CAH.
文摘Recent advancements in next generation sequencing have allowed for genetic information become more readily available in the clinical setting for those affected by cancer and by treating clinicians.Given the lack of access to geneticists,medical oncologists and other treating physicians have begun ordering and interpreting genetic tests for individuals with cancer through the process of"mainstreaming".While this process has allowed for quicker access to genetic tests,the process of"mainstreaming"has also brought several challenges including the dissemination of variants of unknown significance results,ordering of appropriate tests,and accurate interpretation of genetic results with appropriate followup testing and interventions.In this editorial,we seek to explore the process of informed consent of individuals before obtaining genetic testing and offer potential solutions to optimize the informed consent process including categorization of results as well as a layered consent model.
