Crouzon with acanthosis nigricans. Further delineation of the syndrome

Patients with Crouzon and acanthosis nigricans syndrome show craniofacial features similar to those observed in patients with classic Crouzon syndrome, in addition to acanthosis nigricans with peculiar characteristics. More severe physical manifestations, such as Chiari malformation, hydrocephalus, and atresia or stenosis of the choanas, which are unusual in individuals with classic Crouzon syndrome, are reported in these patients. The molecular abnormality associated with Crouzon syndrome with acanthosis nigricans (CAN) is a transition in the transmembrane domain of the FGFR3 gene that results in an Ala391Glu mutation. We describe two unrelated patients showing this mutation and compare their clinical features with those of other patients with CAN reported in the literature. In addition to craniosynostosis with crouzonoid facies and acanthosis nigricans (present in all patients), melanocytic nevi, choanal atresia or stenosis, hydrocephalus, Chiari malformations and oral abnormalities were observed in the majority of the 35 patients analyzed. Vertebral anomalies and conductive hearing loss were present with less frequency. Some characteristics considered typical of this condition (jaw cementomas, acanthomas and finger abnormalities) were absent in most of the patients.

Analysis of the formed track in solid state materials using atomic force microscopy

The track formation in solid state materials, from the theoretical point of view, is still under study. One way to understand the track formation mechanisms and radiation damage of the charged particles in some materials such as polymers, glasses and minerals, is to analyse the surface topography effects. In this work, the track formation analysis in polycarbonate material is presented using an atomic force microscope (AFM) to characterise the evolution of the track on the material surface and beyond a thin layer of the surface material. The AFM is very useful to obtain valuable information at the level of the atomic structure of the materials and of the nuclear tracks, due to its high resolution and very easy operation involving also a simple sample preparation. The results show the development of the formed track by means of induced surface effects after being exposed to ionising radiation and chemical etching.

Intrathymic signals in thymocytes are mediated by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase

Thymocytes develop into mature functional T cells in the inductive environment of the thymus where thymocyte-stromal cell interactions and cytokines provide survival and differentiation signals as cues for thymocyte maturation. Disruption of the thymic microenvironment results in attenuation of T cell maturation, suggesting that intrathymic signals are essential for differentiation and repertoire selection. We have previously shown that several inducible nuclear factors such as AP-1, NF-AT, and NF-kappaB are activated in response to intrathymic signals. Here we demonstrate that in thymocytes p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, a member of the MAP kinase family of proteins that include the extracellular-signal regulated kinases and Jun aminoterminal kinases, is highly activated in response to intrathymic signals in vivo. These studies suggest a role for p38 MAP kinase in T cell survival and differentiation.

Intrathymic signals in thymocytes are mediated by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase

Thymocytes develop into mature functional T cells in the inductive environment of the thymus where thymocyte-stromal cell interactions and cytokines provide survival and differentiation signals as cues for thymocyte maturation. Disruption of the thymic microenvironment results in attenuation of T cell maturation, suggesting that intrathymic signals are essential for differentiation and repertoire selection. We have previously shown that several inducible nuclear factors such as AP-1, NF-AT, and NF-kappaB are activated in response to intrathymic signals. Here we demonstrate that in thymocytes p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase, a member of the MAP kinase family of proteins that include the extracellular-signal regulated kinases and Jun aminoterminal kinases, is highly activated in response to intrathymic signals in vivo. These studies suggest a role for p38 MAP kinase in T cell survival and differentiation.

Generalized osteoporosis in a patient with oculocutaneous hypopigmentation syndrome (OOCHS), without cerebral defects. A new syndrome?

An 8-year-old male patient presented a unique pattern of congenital anomalies. Prominent findings included a combination of severe osteoporosis and congenital oculocutaneous hypopigmentation. The patient may represent a hitherto undescribed syndrome of unknown etiology.

Identification of upstream signals regulating interleukin-6 gene expression during in vitro treatment of human B cells with pokeweed mitogen

The present studies have characterized the regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene expression during pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-driven human B-cell differentiation. PWM induced an early and transient increase in the expression of immediate-early response genes of the jun/fos leucine zipper family (c-jun, jun B, c-fos, and fos-B). The induction of c-jun mRNA by PWM was concentration dependent. Nuclear run-on assays showed that PWM treatment is associated with an increased rate of c-jun gene transcription. The induction of c-jun mRNA precedes the induction of IL-6 gene expression and IL-6 secretion by the B cells. c-Jun antisense, but not sense, oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) significantly decreases PWM-related B-cell (1) proliferation; (2) IL-6 mRNA induction; (3) IL-6 secretion; and (4) nuclear extract binding to AP-1 in electrophoretic mobility shift assay. In contrast, c-Fos anti-sense ODN did not effect either IL-6 mRNA induction or IL-6 secretion triggered in B cells by PWM. The results further show activation of c-Raf-1 kinase in PWM-treated B cells. Raf-1 acts upstream to mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase; therefore, studies were performed to assay for MAP kinase activation in these cells. The results show an increase in phosphorylation of myelin basic protein (MBP) and c-Jun "Y" peptide in PWM-treated B cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that PWM is able to initiate an intracytoplasmic signaling cascade in normal human splenic B cells, which, at least in part, involves serine/threonine protein kinases. These results show transient induction of immediate-early response genes in B cells and support a potential role for the c-jun gene product in regulation of IL-6 transcription and secretion.

Centromeric association of a microchromosome in a Turner syndrome patient with a pseudodicentric Y

A 12-year-old patient with Turner syndrome was found to have a complex mosaicism for a microchromosome (MC) and a psu dic(Y)(q11). The MC was smaller than Yp, appeared pale in G, C and late replicating bands, had a pair of small centromeric dots, was associated with other chromosomes in most metaphases, and was rather stable both in size and during mitosis. The psu dic(Y) was Cd-positive only at the active centromere, had two pericentromeric heterochromatic regions, and lacked the Yq12 band. No cells with both abnormal chromosomes were found. To evaluate the association of the MC with all ordinary chromosomes, 857 G-banded cells with the marker were screened. The MC was considered as "associated" whenever the distance between it and other chromosome(s) was equal to, or smaller than, 18p. Out of 848 associations registered, 489 (57.7%) were centromeric, 202 (23.8%) telomeric, and 157 (18.5%) interstitial; i.e., centromeric associations were overrepresented (P < 0.001) and showed a random distribution, except for an excessive involvement of chromosome 8. This association pattern, also exhibited by two similar MCs in human beings, the minute Y of a marsupial and certain B chromosomes in plants, probably reflects the Rabl orientation of chromosomes in interphase.

[Recessive autosomal inheritance in Marfan syndrome]

Three brothers 9, 12, and 14 years of age were studied. The three of them fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of Marfan Syndrome that was made based on physical and ophthalmologic examination, these criteria included musculoskeletal abnormalities, subluxation of lens, myopia and aortic aneurysm. The three siblings died due to complications of the aortic aneurysm, which had an early onset as well as the other clinical manifestations of the disease. They were 2 brothers and one sister. There was neither mental or psychomotor retardation, nor metabolic disease in any of the patients. Family history did not show any clinical manifestation of the disease in parents or grandparents. We propose that the hereditary pattern is recessive autosomic instead of dominant autosomic given the features of these cases and their history.

Achalasia microcephaly syndrome in a patient with consanguineous parents: support for a.m. being a distinct autosomal recessive condition

A 4 9/12-year-old boy with achalasia microcephaly syndrome (AMS), born to a consanguineous couple, is reported. Comparative analysis of this case and the patients previously described in a Mexican family supports the notion that the syndrome is a distinct autosomal recessive condition. It is interesting that the area of origin and ethnicity of both the present and the previously reported cases is northwest Mexico.

Ehlers-Danlos features with progeroid facies and mild mental retardation. Further delineation of the syndrome

A syndrome characterized by progeroid facies, multiple nevi, mild mental retardation, skin hyperextensibility, bruisability, moderate skin fragility, joint hypermobility principally in digits, is described in two unrelated patients. Electron microscopy of the skin showed some fragmentation of the elastic fibers' portion and moderate electrodensity in the amorphous portion. Since a practically identical constellation of clinical features was previously reported in three patients, the individualization of a distinct connective tissue disorder, probably autosomal dominant, with variable expressivity is concluded.

Ciliary and superciliary hypotrichosis. A distinct autosomal dominant trait

A woman and her four children showed congenital sparse eyebrows, short, thin, misplaced and very scanty upper eyelashes and absent lower eyelashes. Erosion of the corneal epithelium was a common complication. This report confirms the condition as an autosomal dominant disorder.

Cortical blindness, growth and psychomotor retardation and postaxial polydactyly: a probably distinct autosomal recessive syndrome

A 14-month-old female infant with a syndrome mainly consisting of cortical blindness, psychomotor retardation and postaxial polydactyly (type B in hands and type A in feet) was studied. Two deceased sibs were similarly affected. Differential diagnosis and the review of medical literature permit the individualization of a distinct syndrome with a probable autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.

A new psychomotor retardation syndrome with peculiar facies and marfanoid habitus

We studied four sibs, two males and two females, who presented psychomotor retardation, typical flat facies and some features of the Marfan phenotype such as tall stature, long and slim limbs, arm span larger than height, "arachnodactyloid" hands and feet, little subcutaneous fat and muscle hypotonia. It is concluded that the aggregate of morphoneurological anomalies constitute a new syndrome probably inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion.

3-M slender-boned nanism. An intrauterine growth retardation syndrome

Three sisters with 3-M slender-boned nanism are described. The main features were low birth weight, disproportionate dwarfism, large head for height, triangular-shaped face with wide anteverted nostrils, long philtrum and full lips, short neck, elbow malformation, pes planus with prominent heels, slender bones with thin diaphyses, small pelvis, and mild mental deficiency. Comparative analysis with the eight other cases reported in the literature permits further clinical delineation and the corroboration of autosomal recessive inheritance.

Severe mental deficiency, proportionate dwarfism, and delayed sexual maturation. A distinct inherited syndrome

Two 46,XY brothers were found to have a previously undescribed syndrome characterized by severe mental deficiency, proportionate dwarfism, and delayed sexual development. A recessive mode of inheritance, either autosomal or X-linked, is assumed.