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Sharon S, Blumenfeld A, Deutsch D, Haze A. The regeneration potential of amelogenin—towards translational study. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2017.02.728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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2
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Gottreich M, Blumenfeld A. Light microscopic observations of tannin cell walls in persimmon fruit. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/00221589.1991.11516205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Lipton R, Serrano D, Blumenfeld A, Dodick D, Aurora S, Becker W, Diener H, Wang S, Vincent M, Buse D, Sanderson J, Gillard P, Varon S, Reed M. (195) Developing and validating the ID-Chronic Migraine (ID-CM) screening tool. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2014.01.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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4
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Ashkenazi I, Ohana A, Azaria B, Gelfer A, Nave C, Deutch Z, Gens I, Fadlon M, Dahan Y, Rapaport L, Kishkinov D, Bar A, Tal-Or E, Vaknin N, Blumenfeld A, Kessel B, Alfici R, Olsha O, Michaelson M. Assessment of hospital disaster plans for conventional mass casualty incidents following terrorist explosions using a live exercise based upon the real data of actual patients. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2011; 38:113-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00068-011-0154-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Blumenfeld A. Ueber die Verwendung des Cocains zur Anästhesirung der Urethra. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2009. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1143406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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6
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Shay B, Gruenbaum-Cohen Y, Tucker AS, Taylor AL, Rosenfeld E, Haze A, Dafni L, Leiser Y, Fermon E, Danieli T, Blumenfeld A, Deutsch D. High yield expression of biologically active recombinant full length human tuftelin protein in baculovirus-infected insect cells. Protein Expr Purif 2009; 68:90-8. [PMID: 19539764 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2009.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2009] [Revised: 06/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tuftelin is an acidic protein expressed at very early stages of mouse odontogenesis. It was suggested to play a role during epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, and later, when enamel formation commences, to be involved in enamel mineralization. Tuftelin was also detected in several normal soft tissues of different origins and some of their corresponding cancerous tissues. Tuftelin is expressed in low quantities, and undergoes degradation in the enamel extracellular matrix. To investigate the structure and function of tuftelin, the full length recombinant human tuftelin protein was produced. The full length human tuftelin cDNA was cloned using Gateway recombination into the Bac-to-Bac system compatible transfer vector pDest10. This vector adds a hexahistidine tag to the N-terminus of the expressed protein, enabling one-step affinity purification on nickel column. The recombinant human tuftelin protein was transposed into the bacmid and expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells. The yield of the purified, his-tagged recombinant full length human Tuftelin (rHTuft+) was 5-8 mg/L culture. rHTuft+ was characterized by SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ESI-TOF spectrometry, restriction mapping and MS/MS sequencing. The availability of the purified, full length recombinant human tuftelin protein opened up the possibility to investigate novel functions of tuftelin. Application of rHTuft+ agarose beads onto embryonic mouse mandibular explants caused changes in the surrounding epithelial cells, including morphology, orientation and spatial organization. Further studies using DiI labeling, revealed that rHTuft+, placed on the tooth germ region, brought about recruitment of adjacent embryonic mesenchymal cells. These findings support the hypothesis that tuftelin plays an important role during embryogenesis.
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Parsey RV, Ogden R, Tin A, Sullivan G, Blumenfeld A, Oquendo M, Mann J. Altered serotonin 1A binding potential in major depression using [11C]WAY 100635: A second patient cohort. Neuroimage 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.04.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Zini A, Blumenfeld A, Libman J, Willis J. Beneficial effect of microsurgical varicocelectomy on human sperm DNA integrity. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:1018-21. [PMID: 15608026 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deh701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human sperm DNA damage may adversely affect reproductive outcomes, and the spermatozoa of infertile men possess substantially more DNA damage than that of fertile men. To date, there is no available treatment for men with high levels of sperm DNA damage. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of varicocelectomy on sperm DNA denaturation (DD, an index of sperm DNA damage) in infertile men with a clinical varicocele. METHODS We reviewed the reports of 37 men who underwent microsurgical varicocelectomy at our institution from September 2001 to July 2002. Standard semen parameters and the percentage of spermatozoa with DD (monitored by flow cytometry analysis of acridine orange-treated spermatozoa) were assessed before and 6 months after varicocelectomy. RESULTS The percentage of spermatozoa with DD decreased following varicocelectomy compared with pre-operatively (27.7 versus 24.6%, respectively, P < 0.05). Sperm concentration and the percentages of motile sperm and normal forms (WHO criteria) increased following varicocelectomy, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that varicocelectomy can improve human sperm DNA integrity in infertile men with varicocele. These data represent the first report of improved sperm DNA integrity after therapy and further support the beneficial effect of varicocelectomy on human spermatogenesis.
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Freud E, Ben-Ari J, Schonfeld T, Blumenfeld A, Steinberg R, Dlugy E, Yaniv I, Katz J, Schwartz M, Zer M. Mediastinal tumors in children: a single institution experience. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2002; 41:219-23. [PMID: 12041717 DOI: 10.1177/000992280204100404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Mediastinal masses in children are a heterogeneous group of asymptomatic or potentially life-threatening congenital, infectious, or neoplastic lesions that present complex diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. Some patients are asymptomatic; in others, the mass may compress mediastinal structures and cause sudden asphyxia. In these cases, close cooperation is needed among pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensivists, oncologists, and radiologists. The files of 45 children with mediastinal masses admitted between 1986 and 1999 to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel were reviewed. Twenty-one were admitted for perioperative care, and 21 for emergency care, including 19 with respiratory distress. Five of the emergency care group had asphyxia and 10 needed assisted ventilation. Two children were admitted for evaluation and 1 for leukopheresis. The children admitted on an emergency basis had more clinical findings than the postoperative group: almost 80% had dyspnea and more than 45% had oxygen desaturation; 33% had cough and noisy breathing, and 25%, superior vena cava syndrome or hepatosplenomegaly. Eight patients (17.8%) had benign disease and 37 (82.2%) malignant disease. The patients with a benign mass were significantly younger than the patients with a malignant mass (p<0.005); in 5 cases (12.5%), a congenital anomaly presented as a mediastinal mass. Most of the malignant masses were of hematologic origin (40.5%), followed by neurogenic tumors (27%). Twenty-seven patients underwent surgery, including 6 emergency procedures (3 partial resections, 2 biopsies, 1 lymph node biopsy). There were no intraoperative or postoperative deaths. The present series emphasizes the complex care children with a mediastinal mass require. They should be treated in a tertiary center with a multidisciplinary approach.
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Pollak RD, Blumenfeld A, Bejarano-Achache I, Idelson M, Celinke Hochner D. The BsmI vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism in Israeli populations and in perimenopausal and osteoporotic Ashkenazi women. Am J Nephrol 2001; 21:185-8. [PMID: 11423686 DOI: 10.1159/000046245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and bone mineral density (BMD) is controversial, and may be effected by ethnic ancestry and age. AIMS To determine the distribution of the BsmI VDR gene polymorphism in healthy Israeli populations, and to study its association with BMD in perimenopausal and osteoporotic Ashkenazi women. METHODS Allele and genotype frequencies of the VDR gene defined by BsmI restriction site were determined in 634 healthy Israelis of seven ethnic groups, 90 Ashkenazi perimenopausal women and in 75 Ashkenazi osteoporotic women. Genotype-related differences in spinal and femoral neck BMD were determined in Ashkenazi perimenopausal women. Allele and genotype frequencies in Ashkenazi osteoporotic women were compared with Ashkenazi controls. RESULTS The frequency of the BB genotype was higher in Yemenites compared with Ashkenazi and Libyan Jews (23, 11 and 8%, respectively, p < 0.05), and lower in Ashkenazi compared with Iraqi and Persian Jews (11, 20 and 21%, respectively, p = 0.05). BMD did not vary by genotype in perimenopausal women, nor were there differences in the frequencies of the B allele or the BB genotype in osteoporotic women compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS There is ethnic variability in the frequency of the BsmI VDR gene polymorphism. In Ashkenazi perimenopausal and osteoporotic women this polymorphism is not associated with BMD.
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Pollak RD, Friedlander Y, Pollak A, Idelson M, Blumenfeld A. Ethnic differences in the frequency of the C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in healthy Israeli populations. GENETIC TESTING 2001; 4:309-11. [PMID: 11142765 DOI: 10.1089/10906570050501560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for arteriosclerotic vascular disease. It can result from deficiencies of co-factors required for homocysteine metabolism and/or from genetic disorders of its metabolism. The association between the C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and vascular disease is controversial, and may be affected by ethnic origin. A unique feature of the Israeli population is its ethnic diversity. The aim of this study was to study the frequency of the C677T MTHFR mutation in healthy Israeli ethnic groups. The frequency of the mutation was determined in 897 young healthy Jewish and Muslim Arab Israelis of eight different ethnic groups. Marked ethnic differences in the frequency of mutant homozygotes were found, ranging from 2% in Yemenite Jews, 4% in Sephardic Jews, 9% in Oriental Jews, 10% in Muslim Arabs, 16% in North African Jews, and 19% in Ashkenazi Jews. The frequency of mutant homozygotes was significantly higher in Ashkenazi Jews compared to Yemenites Oriental Jews, Sephardic Jews, and Muslim Arabs (chi2 = 12.35p < 0.001, chi2 = 8.17p = 0.004, chi2 = 6.04p = 0.01, chi2 = 6.54 p = 0.01, respectively). Our findings demonstrate the need for matching ethnic background in patients and controls when studying the association between the C677T MTHFR mutation and any disease.
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Dresner Pollack R, Rachmilewitz E, Blumenfeld A, Idelson M, Goldfarb AW. Bone mineral metabolism in adults with beta-thalassaemia major and intermedia. Br J Haematol 2000; 111:902-7. [PMID: 11122154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Bone disease is an important cause of morbidity in older patients with beta-thalassaemia major and intermedia. We studied 27 women and 23 men with beta-thalassaemia major (37) and intermedia (13) whose mean age was 32.3 +/- 9.7 years. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine, femoral neck and distal radius was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorbiometry (DXA). The longitudinal change in BMD over a mean of 5.6 years was determined in 19 patients. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), bone formation markers bone-alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin and the resorption marker urinary N-telopeptide cross-linked type 1 collagen (NTx) were determined. The BsmI vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism was analysed. Reduced BMD (Z-score < -2) was present in 89%, 62% and 73% of patients in the spine, hip and radius respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 62%, decreased IGF-1 in 72% and increased urinary NTx in 84% of patients. Serum IGF-1 correlated with spine and hip BMD (r = 0.4, r = 0.39, P < 0.01 respectively), and NTx correlated with the hip BMD Z-score (r = 0.35 P < 0.05). The mean annual percentage change in spine BMD was -1.36%. Patients with the VDR BB genotype had lower spine BMD than patients with the bb genotype. In conclusion, bone loss continues in adult thalassaemia patients and is associated with increased bone resorption and decreased IGF-1. The BsmI VDR gene polymorphism is associated with osteopenia in thalassaemia.
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Pollak RD, Pollak A, Idelson M, Bejarano-Achache I, Doron D, Blumenfeld A. The C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and vascular dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 2000; 48:664-8. [PMID: 10855603 DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2000.tb04725.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the association between the C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and vascular dementia in Ashkenazi and non-Ashkenazi Jews. DESIGN A case-control study. SETTING Nursing homes in Jerusalem, Israel. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred fifty nine Jewish people of Ashkenazi and non-Ashkenazi origin, older than age 70, who have vascular dementia (VD) (n = 85), Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 92), and who are cognitively intact (n = 82) with no clinical evidence of atherosclerotic vascular disease. MEASUREMENTS The frequencies of the mutant allele (T allele) and homozygotes for the C677T MTHFR mutation (T/T genotype). The total plasma homocysteine (tHCT) level in 75 subjects. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the frequencies of the T/T genotype or T allele among VD, AD, and cognitively intact older people of the same ethnic origin (0.15, 0.19, 0.25 T/T genotype and 0.42, 0.46, 0.47 T allele in Ashkenazi; 0.08, 0.06, 0.10 T/T genotype and 0.28, 0.32, 0.33 T allele in non-Ashkenazi with VD and AD, and in cognitively intact older people, respectively). The relative risk of VD associated with the T/T genotype versus the C/C genotype was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.19-1.19) in Ashkenazi and 0.65 (95% CI, 0.11-3.7) in non-Ashkenazi, respectively. The relative risk of AD associated with the T/T genotype was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.29-2.45) in Ashkenazi and 0.62 (95% CI, 0.1-4.3) in non-Ashkenazi, respectively. The frequencies of mutant homozygotes and allele were significantly higher in Ashkenazi than in non-Ashkenazi Jews (19.9% vs 7.5% T/T genotype, chi2 = 6.2, P = .01, 0.45 vs 0.31 T allele, chi2 = 9.77, P = .002 in Ashkenazi vs non-Ashkenazi, respectively). There were no differences in mean tHCT concentration among VD, AD, and cognitively intact older people. CONCLUSIONS The MTHFR C677T is not associated with an increased risk of vascular dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The frequency of the mutation is significantly higher in Ashkenazi compared with non-Ashkenazi Jews.
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Schwarz M, Horev G, Freud E, Ziv N, Blumenfeld A, Steinberg R, Kornreich L. Traumatic adrenal injury in children. THE ISRAEL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL : IMAJ 2000; 2:132-4. [PMID: 10804936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple organ injury in children is an increasingly frequent phenomenon in the modern emergency room. Adrenal hemorrhage associated with this type of trauma has received little attention in the past. OBJECTIVES Using computed tomography, we sought to determine the rate and nature of adrenal gland injury in children following blunt abdominal trauma due to motor vehicular accident. METHODS A total of 121 children with blunt abdominal trauma were examined and total body CT was performed in cases of multi-organ trauma or severe neurological injury. RESULTS Of all the children who presented with blunt abdominal trauma over a 51 month period, 6 (4.95%) had adrenal hemorrhage. In all cases only the right adrenal gland was affected. Coincidental injury to the chest and other abdominal organs was noted in 66.7% and 50% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Traumatic adrenal injury in the pediatric population may be more common than previously suspected. Widespread application of the more sophisticated imaging modalities available today will improve the detection of damage to the smaller organs in major collision injuries and will help in directing attention to the mechanism of trauma.
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Steinberg R, Freud E, Simhi E, Blumenfeld A, Zer M. A simple method of intraoperative confirmation of intestinal patency. Pediatr Surg Int 2000; 16:538-9. [PMID: 11057565 DOI: 10.1007/s003839900293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Routine intraoperative rectal temperature monitoring may serve in addition as a means of distal intestinal patency confirmation. A simple method, which is of immense importance especially when operating on infants and small children after NEC or intestinal atresia, is described.
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Chadwick BP, Leyne M, Gill S, Liebert CB, Mull J, Mezey E, Robbins CM, Pinkett HW, Makalowska I, Maayan C, Blumenfeld A, Axelrod FB, Brownstein M, Gusella JF, Slaugenhaupt SA. Cloning, mapping, and expression of a novel brain-specific transcript in the familial dysautonomia candidate region on chromosome 9q31. Mamm Genome 2000; 11:81-3. [PMID: 10603000 DOI: 10.1007/s003350010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Chadwick BP, Gill S, Leyne M, Mull J, Liebert CB, Robbins CM, Pinkett HW, Makalowska I, Maayan C, Blumenfeld A, Axelrod FB, Brownstein M, Slaugenhaupt SA. Cloning, genomic organization and expression of a putative human transmembrane protein related to the Caenorhabditis elegans M01F1.4 gene. Gene 1999; 240:67-73. [PMID: 10564813 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1119(99)00432-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A novel human transcript CG-2 (C9ORF5), was isolated from the familial dysautonomia candidate region on 9q31 using a combination of cDNA selection and exon trapping. CG-2 was detected as a relatively abundant 8kb transcript in all adult and fetal tissues with the exception of adult thymus. Genomic analysis of CG-2 identified 18 exons that span more than 110kb. The gene encodes a 911-amino-acid protein with a predicted molecular weight of 101kDa and a hypothetical pI of 9.03. Sequence analysis of CG-2 indicates that it is likely to encode a transmembrane protein. Here, we assess CG-2 as a candidate for familial dysautonomia.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Brain/embryology
- Brain/metabolism
- Caenorhabditis elegans/genetics
- Cell Line
- Chromosome Mapping
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9/genetics
- Cloning, Molecular
- Cricetinae
- DNA/chemistry
- DNA/genetics
- DNA Mutational Analysis
- DNA, Complementary/chemistry
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- DNA, Complementary/isolation & purification
- Databases, Factual
- Dysautonomia, Familial/genetics
- Expressed Sequence Tags
- Gene Expression
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Genes/genetics
- Genes, Helminth/genetics
- Humans
- Hybrid Cells
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Mice
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Rats
- Sequence Alignment
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
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Abstract
We evaluated the outcome of children with ovarian mass operated on at our Center over an 8-year period. Thirty-four girls aged 1 day to 17 years were included in the study. Mean duration of follow-up was 39.5 months. Eighteen had a nonneoplastic mass and 16 a neoplastic mass, eight of which were malignant. Patients with a malignant tumor underwent adnexectomy of the affected side and appendectomy, without removal of the uterus or the other ovary and without partial omentectomy; only the one girl with bilateral malignant disease had bilateral adnexectomy. Five of the eight patients with malignant disease received chemotherapy. All patients are alive with no evidence of disease. Pediatric ovarian masses are rare but have a relatively high rate of malignancy. They differ from adult malignant tumors in many aspects. Conservative surgery should be applied to preserve fertility and combined, if necessary, with aggressive chemotherapy. A good prognosis may be expected in most cases, even with progressive disease.
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Rosenmann E, Rosenmann A, Ne'eman Z, Lewin A, Bejarano-Achache I, Blumenfeld A. Prenatal diagnosis of oculocutaneous albinism type I: review and personal experience. Pediatr Dev Pathol 1999; 2:404-14. [PMID: 10441617 DOI: 10.1007/s100249900143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oculocutaneous albinism type I (OCA I) comprises autosomal recessive syndromes of hypopigmentation and low vision, caused by the lack of tyrosinase activity. Affected families seek genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis as preventive measures. Until recently, prenatal diagnosis of OCA I was achieved by histologic and electron microscopic examination of fetal skin biopsies. Lately, a molecular genetic approach has become possible by the identification of the two mutated copies of the TYR gene, coding the tyrosinase, in which over 60 mutations have been identified. We report here our experience in prenatal diagnosis of OCA I using the two strategies. Thirty-four prenatal tests were performed in fetuses at risk for OCA I. In 31 cases the diagnosis was made in fetal scalp biopsies using the histological approach. The microscopic observations revealed normal melanogenesis in 26 biopsies. Five albino fetuses were diagnosed by the demonstration of arrest of melanogenesis in early stages I and II. In three pregnancies, molecular genetic tests were performed on DNA extracted from amniocytes, using direct mutation analysis (in one), and complemented by linkage analysis (in two). One albino and two normally pigmented fetuses were diagnosed. The prenatal molecular genetic test can be applied to families when at least one mutation is diagnosed in the albino patient. The histological approach is applicable in all families at risk for OCA I.
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Chadwick BP, Mull J, Helbling LA, Gill S, Leyne M, Robbins CM, Pinkett HW, Makalowska I, Maayan C, Blumenfeld A, Axelrod FB, Brownstein M, Gusella JF, Slaugenhaupt SA. Cloning, mapping, and expression of two novel actin genes, actin-like-7A (ACTL7A) and actin-like-7B (ACTL7B), from the familial dysautonomia candidate region on 9q31. Genomics 1999; 58:302-9. [PMID: 10373328 DOI: 10.1006/geno.1999.5848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Two novel human actin-like genes, ACTL7A and ACTL7B, were identified by cDNA selection and direct genomic sequencing from the familial dysautonomia candidate region on 9q31. ACTL7A encodes a 435-amino-acid protein (predicted molecular mass 48.6 kDa) and ACTL7B encodes a 415-amino-acid protein (predicted molecular mass 45. 2 kDa) that show greater than 65% amino acid identity to each other. Genomic analysis revealed ACTL7A and ACTL7B to be intronless genes contained on a common 8-kb HindIII fragment in a "head-to-head" orientation. The murine homologues were cloned and mapped by linkage analysis to mouse chromosome 4 in a region of gene order conserved with human chromosome 9q31. No recombinants were observed between the two genes, indicating a close physical proximity in mouse. ACTL7A is expressed in a wide variety of adult tissues, while the ACTL7B message was detected only in the testis and, to a lesser extent, in the prostate. No coding sequence mutations, genomic rearrangements, or differences in expression were detected for either gene in familial dysautonomia patients.
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MESH Headings
- Actins/genetics
- Adult
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Blotting, Northern
- Chromosome Mapping
- Chromosomes/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9/genetics
- Cloning, Molecular
- DNA/chemistry
- DNA/genetics
- DNA/isolation & purification
- DNA Mutational Analysis
- DNA, Complementary/chemistry
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- DNA, Complementary/isolation & purification
- Dysautonomia, Familial/genetics
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Muridae
- RNA/genetics
- RNA/metabolism
- Sequence Alignment
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Tissue Distribution
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Blumenfeld A, Slaugenhaupt SA, Liebert CB, Temper V, Maayan C, Gill S, Lucente DE, Idelson M, MacCormack K, Monahan MA, Mull J, Leyne M, Mendillo M, Schiripo T, Mishori E, Breakefield X, Axelrod FB, Gusella JF. Precise genetic mapping and haplotype analysis of the familial dysautonomia gene on human chromosome 9q31. Am J Hum Genet 1999; 64:1110-8. [PMID: 10090896 PMCID: PMC1377835 DOI: 10.1086/302339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial dysautonomia (FD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by developmental arrest in the sensory and autonomic nervous systems and by Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. We previously had mapped the defective gene (DYS) to an 11-cM segment of chromosome 9q31-33, flanked by D9S53 and D9S105. By using 11 new polymorphic loci, we now have narrowed the location of DYS to <0.5 cM between the markers 43B1GAGT and 157A3. Two markers in this interval, 164D1 and D9S1677, show no recombination with the disease. Haplotype analysis confirmed this candidate region and revealed a major haplotype shared by 435 of 441 FD chromosomes, indicating a striking founder effect. Three other haplotypes, found on the remaining 6 FD chromosomes, might represent independent mutations. The frequency of the major FD haplotype in the Ashkenazim (5 in 324 control chromosomes) was consistent with the estimated DYS carrier frequency of 1 in 32, and none of the four haplotypes associated with FD was observed on 492 non-FD chromosomes from obligatory carriers. It is now possible to provide accurate genetic testing both for families with FD and for carriers, on the basis of close flanking markers and the capacity to identify >98% of FD chromosomes by their haplotype.
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23
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Rosenmann A, Rosenmann E, Bejarano-Achache I, Blumenfeld A. Prenatal diagnosis and carrier detection of albinism. Genet Med 1999. [DOI: 10.1097/00125817-199901000-00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Ben Abraham R, Blumenfeld A, Stein M, Shapira SC, Paret G, Rivkind A, Shemer J. Advanced trauma life support versus Combat Trauma Life Support courses: a comparison of cognitive knowledge decline. Mil Med 1998; 163:747-9. [PMID: 9819533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This prospective study was conducted to compare cognitive knowledge decline among graduates of the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and Combat Trauma Life Support (CTLS) courses in Israel. The investigation was based on multiple-choice questions that tested the results of 211 ATLS and CTLS course graduates and was performed 3 to 66 months after completion of the courses. These results were then compared with the examination outcomes immediately after the course. A statistical model based on survival analysis was used to evaluate the decline pattern and extent and to compare the two courses. No significant difference was found in the rate of decline in knowledge gained from the two courses after a given period. Priority for refresher courses should be set regardless of type of course previously attended by physicians.
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Freud E, Cohen IJ, Mor C, Golinsky D, Blumenfeld A, Zer M. Splenic "regeneration" after partial splenectomy for Gaucher disease: histological features. Blood Cells Mol Dis 1998; 24:309-16. [PMID: 10087989 DOI: 10.1006/bcmd.1998.0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Partial splenectomy for Gaucher disease is often followed by reenlargement of the splenic remnant. It remains unclear if this process is due to tissue regeneration or to continued deposition of glucocerebroside in the reticuloendothelial system or both. We compared the splenic architecture before and after reenlargement in three cases of failed repeated partial splenectomy after two, six and five years. Using the number of lymphoid follicles per hundred low power fields (LF/LPF) as an arbitrary index, we found that prior to the first operation 18, 20 and 27 lymphoid follicles were present per one hundred low power fields, while at the second operation, the corresponding rates were 11, 15 and 17; in control spleens, an average of 712.5 lymphoid follicles were present in one hundred low power fields. The difference in the LF/LPF ratio before and after reenlargement, led us to speculate that splenic re-enlargement in Gaucher disease is mainly the result of the continued deposition of the glucocerebroside in the reticuloendothelial system of the splenic remnant, though some degree of true regeneration as well cannot be completely ruled out. These findings are compared with animal studies and results for partial splenectomy on humans, performed for trauma. Further studies in patients with Gaucher disease are warranted to better define the underlying mechanism of splenic reenlargement.
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