While short-read sequencing currently dominates genetic research and diagnostics, it frequently falls short of capturing certain structural variants (SVs), which are often implicated in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Optical genome mapping (OGM) is an innovative technique capable of capturing SVs that are undetectable or challenging-to-detect via short-read methods. This study aimed to investigate NDDs using OGM, specifically focusing on cases that remained unsolved after standard exome sequencing. OGM was performed in 47 families using ultra-high molecular weight DNA. Single-molecule maps were assembled de novo, followed by SV and copy number variant calling. We identified 7 variants of interest, of which 5 (10.6%) were classified as likely pathogenic or pathogenic, located in BCL11A, OPHN1, PHF8, SON, and NFIA. We also identified an inversion disrupting NAALADL2, a gene which previously was found to harbor complex rearrangements in two NDD cases. Variants in known NDD genes or candidate variants of interest missed by exome sequencing mainly consisted of larger insertions (> 1kbp), inversions, and deletions/duplications of a low number of exons (1-4 exons). In conclusion, in addition to improving molecular diagnosis in NDDs, this technique may also reveal novel NDD genes which may harbor complex SVs often missed by standard sequencing techniques.

Gitelman syndrome (GS), an autosomal recessive kidney disorder, is characterized by hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalciuria, and metabolic alkalosis. Generally, diagnosis is made in school-aged children but multiple cases have been diagnosed in adulthood. This study examines the phenotypic differences between genetically confirmed cases and mutation-negative cases in adults. A comprehensive screening of 168 genes, including GS-related genes, was performed for 84 independent individuals who were referred to our institute with a clinical diagnosis of GS. The cases of pseudo-Bartter syndrome (BS)/GS because of diuretic abuse or other causes, which was determined based on patients\' medical records, were excluded during registration. Of these 70 eligible cases for analysis, 27 (38.6%) had genetic confirmation of GS, while 37 (52.8%) had no known variants associated with GS and were considered to be unsolved cases. Note that unsolved cases comprised older, mostly female, individuals with decreased kidney function and multiple basic features of GS. The phenotype of unsolved cases is similar to that of pseudo BS/GS cases, although these cases were excluded in advance. However, the genetic and autoimmune profiles of these unsolved cases have not yet been investigated to date. Therefore, these cases may be categorized into new disease groups.

This study identifies the first crime script for unsolved stranger sexual offenses against women. The purpose is to better understand the crime-commission process of solved and unsolved stranger sexual offenses and identify potential points of intervention for prevention purposes. Crime script analysis was performed on 542 solved (n = 265) and unsolved (n = 277) cases based on police data in Queensland, Australia, followed by a comparison between solved and unsolved crime scripts. Results showed that unsolved offenses tended to be associated with the following factors: the offender fleeing/desisting, using minimal force, less intrusive sexual outcomes, and less verbal engagement with the victim. In these cases, there was a lack of information regarding forensic evidence, behavioral clues, and eyewitness leads. This highlights the relevance of focusing on situational crime prevention and policing strategies that may deter stranger sexual crimes at the earliest stages of the script.