Rapid extraction of anti-inflammatory drugs in whole blood for HPLC analysis

A rapid and efficient procedure is described for the extraction and analysis of anti-inflammatory drugs in whole blood. Red blood cells were fragmented by sonication and the blood sample extracted by passing through a bonded silica column (Bond-Elut). The adsorbed drugs were washed and eluted followed by analysis by HPLC. Recoveries were in excess of 80% at 5 micrograms/ml concentrations.

Chromosome localization of the human renin gene (REN) by in situ hybridization

Previous studies by Southern blot analysis of human X mouse somatic cell hybrids localized the renin gene to region p21----qter of human chromosome 1. Using a DNA insert encoding exons 2-5, the renin gene was mapped to human chromosome bands 1q25----q32 by in situ hybridization. The sublocalization of the renin gene will facilitate subsequent detailed linkage analysis of human chromosome 1.

Mutagenicity of para-nitroso-dimethyl- and diethyl-anilines

Low concentrations of para-nitroso-dimethylaniline (NdMA) were mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium TA100 with optimal effect at 1.5 microM in fluctuation assays, without activating enzymes. The diethyl homologue (NdEA) had little or no mutagenic effect at low concentrations, although the bacteriocidal effects of NdMA and NdEA were similar. At higher bacteriocidal concentrations (approximately LC55-LC80) both NdMA and NdEA were mutagenic. NdMA and some other C-nitroso compounds proved carcinogenic in animal bioassays, and further research is needed to assess the human hazard from exposure to C-nitroso compounds in food, medicines or industry.

Characterization, mapping, and expression of the human ceruloplasmin gene

Ceruloplasmin (CP) is a copper-binding protein in vertebrate plasma. It is the product of an intragenic triplication and is composed of three homologous domains. Oligonucleotide probes constructed according to published amino acid sequences were used to identify cDNA clones encoding human CP. Two clones, CP-1 and CP-2, differed from each other by the presence or absence, respectively, of a deduced sequence of four amino acids. The two clones provided 81% of the sequence encoding CP. Comparison of the nucleotides of the three domains of the CP coding sequence revealed internal domain homology with identity of sequences ranging from 50.1% to 56%. The nucleotide sequence of CP-2 cDNa was compared to that of a homologous human protein, clotting factor VIII, and was found to be 48% identical overall. The CP gene was mapped to human chromosome 3 by somatic-cell-hybrid analysis and to 3q25 by in situ hybridization; however, sites of hybridization to DNA on other chromosomal sites suggested additional CP-like DNA sequences in the human genome. A DNA polymorphism was detected with CP cDNA after endonuclease digestion of human DNA by Pst I. CP mRNA was detected in human liver, macrophages, and lymphocytes by in situ histohybridization.

Comparative sensitivity of survival-adjusted chi-square and normal statistics for the mutagenesis fluctuation assay

Three statistics for analysis of microtitre plate mutagenesis fluctuation tests were studied by simulation, and in enzyme-activated assays of dimethylnitrosamine and diethylnitramine. A survival-adjusted chi 2 statistic ('Gsq') was compared with Katz's normally distributed statistic ('Phi'), and with the survival-independent statistic ('Zsq') of Gilbert. When toxicity was either very low or high, the Phi statistic either could not be evaluated over the whole range of possible background mutant frequencies, or sometimes it indicated unusually high levels of statistical significance, even when the other tests were negative. The survival-adjusted Gsq closely followed the Zsq statistic throughout the experimentally useful range of toxicities and mutant background values, with some improvement in sensitivity. Within the range 80 +/- 10% survival approximately, Katz's statistic 'Phi' was the most sensitive. The choice of statistical test could affect the estimate of the minimal effective mutagenic concentration by a factor of 10-100. For screening unknowns, both types of test (Phi and Gsq (or Zsq] may help in detecting suspect pro-mutagens and in designing a confirmatory assay. Bacterial population statistics are needed to assess the value of statistically positive results.

Fragile-X mental retardation syndrome transmitted through intellectually normal males: implications for genetic counseling

The fragile-X mental retardation syndrome is the second most common identifiable cause of mental retardation in man. This condition violates many of the expectations for X-linked disorders, including the transmission of the syndrome through men who carry the gene but, for unknown reasons, do not express it. Two new cases of male transmission are presented along with four other cases heretofore unidentified in the literature, bringing the total number of confirmed or probable cases of transmission through normal men to 32. The various unorthodox characteristics of the syndrome are reviewed in light of their influence on genetic counseling. Recommendations for counseling families with fragile-X include evaluating all sons of carrier women psychometrically and cytogenetically, abandoning termination of pregnancies with male fetuses as a means of preventing the fragile-X syndrome, assuming that all mothers of sporadic cases are carriers, and karyotyping at-risk female members at an early age.

Effect of short-term energy intake level and exercise on oxygen consumption in men

The influence of short-term energy intake and cycle exercise on oxygen consumption in response to a 1.5 MJ test meal was investigated in ten young, adult men. On the morning after a previous day's "low-energy" intake (LE regimen) of 4.5 MJ, the mean resting oxygen consumption increased by 0.7 ml X kg-1 X min-1 after the test meal (P less than 0.025). After a "high-energy" intake (HE regimen) of 18.1 MJ, the resting measurement was unchanged (+0.4 ml X kg-1 X min-1) after the meal (n.s.). These trends are the reverse of what would be expected if oxygen consumption in response to feeding is a factor in the acute control of body weight. The mean fasting oxygen consumption during cycle exercise at 56% of VO2max (constant work) for both LE and HE prior intakes was not different at 31.1 ml X kg-1 X min-1. Oxygen consumption during exercise increased after feeding by 0.5 ml X kg-1 X min-1 on the LE regimen (n.s.) and decreased by 1.2 ml X kg-1 X min-1 on the HE regimen (n.s.). These results are also the reverse of what would be expected if oxygen consumption in response to exercise is related to short-term energy intake.

Chromosomal localization of group-specific component by in situ hybridization

Group-specific component (GC), an alpha 2-globulin plasma protein synthesized primarily in the liver, is the major vitamin D-binding protein in plasma. It has two common phenotypes, GC1 and GC2, which appear in all human populations. Using the cDNA insert containing the entire coding sequence of GC2, the GC gene was mapped to human chromosomal bands 4q13----q21.1 by in situ hybridization.

Ectodermal manifestations in Menkes disease

Hair and skin pigmentation changes are described in males with Menkes disease from birth to 12 years of age and in 28 obligate carrier or at-risk females. Pili torti were observed in all affected males and in 43% of the females studied. The presence of pili torti may be considered a reliable diagnostic feature of the carrier state. Suggestions are given for evaluation of the hair in individuals in Menkes pedigrees.

Mutagenic activation of dialkylnitrosamines by intact urothelial cells

Intact urothelial cells isolated from bladders of untreated inbred NZO/BIGd or NZC/BIGd mice and NZR/Gd rats activated dimethyl, diethyl, dipropyl, and dibutyl nitrosamines in a liquid culture mutagenesis fluctuation assay using Salmonella typhimurium TA100 as target organism. Rat and mouse urothelial cells were highly effective at 1.5 X 10(5) cells/ml, in O2 gas phase, and no cofactors were required. Relative mutagenic activities were estimated at equitoxic (LD50) concentrations of the 4 nitrosamines. Nitrosamines with odd-carbon chain substitutents were more active than the C-even compounds. Although dibutylnitrosamine is a powerful bladder carcinogen in both rats and mice while the other 3 compounds very rarely cause bladder tumours, the most active promutagens were dipropyl and dimethyl, followed by diethyl and dibutyl nitrosamines. None were active in absence of urothelial cells. Mouse bladder cells were more active than those from NZR rats. There were sex differences in the mice with NZC males and NZO females predominating, but in NZR rats urothelial cells from male and female animals were equally active. These dialkylnitrosamines are widely distributed in the environment, and our results indicate that direct mutagenic activation in the urothelium could be one factor contributing to the incidence of bladder cancer.

Multiple congenital anomalies, mental retardation and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in a boy with small marker chromosomes

We report on a mentally retarded boy with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. He also had a hypoplastic right kidney and right vesicoureteral reflux, blunted calyses of the left kidney, spina bifida occulta, stiff metacarpophalangeal joints, and cataract of the left eye. Chromosome studies showed two marker chromosomes, the larger of which appeared to be a ring chromosome varying greatly in size, while the smaller one remained constant in size. Chromosome abnormalities may be associated with several forms of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Deletions of the long arm of chromosome 10

Patients with a partial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 10 are rare. We report eight new cases involving various segments of 10q: one terminal deletion (10q26), four (8;10) translocations resulting in terminal deletions (10q26) and duplications (8q24.3), a de novo interstitial deletion (10q23), an interstitial deletion due to a (10;13) translocation (10q11.2----10q22.1), and a ring (10p15----10q26).

Deletions of the long arm of chromosome 6: two new cases and review of the literature

Seven terminal deletions and four interstitial deletions of 6q have been reported. We present the clinical and cytogenetic findings of these cases and of two new patients with different interstitial deletions of 6q. Although there are too few cases of interstitial deletions to identify one or more clinical syndromes associated with monosomies of the more proximal regions of 6q, a terminal 6q deletion syndrome is proposed. Its major components are microcephaly with mental retardation, strabismus, apparently low-set malformed ears, a broad nasal bridge, micrognathia, apparently short neck, congenital heart defect, abnormal palmar creases, and various hand abnormalities.

Reproduction in XYY males: two new cases and implications for genetic counseling

We present two children--one, 47,XY, + mar, and the other, 47,XY, + 21. Both fathers were found to have a 47,XYY chromosome constitution. The initial assumption was that the fathers' aneuploid conditions contributed to those of the offspring. However, the derivation of the marker chromosome could be paternal, maternal, or postzygotic, and examination of polymorphic structures of the number 21 chromosomes of the child with Down syndrome and his parents suggested maternal derivation of the supernumerary 21. To explore further the reproductive risks of an individual with the XYY constitution, previous reports of reproductive performance and testicular histology are examined as are two theories which suggest XYY males may be at an increased risk of producing aneuploid progeny. Based on these reports, recommendations are made for testing XYY males prior to genetic counseling.

Enhancement of rat ACT-1 tumor clonogenicity by xenogeneic mouse macrophages

In vitro growth of rat atriocaval epithelial tumor cells (ACT-1) was enhanced by the inclusion of xenogeneic mouse adherent peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) in a two-layer soft agar system. A linear relationship was found between the number of cells plated and the number of colonies when ACT-1 tumor cells were plated at plating densities of between 1 and 5 X 10(5) cell/60 mm plate (r = 0.9, P less than 0.001). Inclusion of irradiated PECs in the bioassay for tumor stem cells resulted in a two and a half-fold increase in colony formation in three separate experiments (P less than 0.001).

Trisomy 7 and Potter syndrome

A patient with mosaic trisomy 7 and features of Potter syndrome is described. The patient was the product of a 35-week gestation and survived fourteen hours, demise being attributed to respiratory insufficiency. Autopsy confirmed pulmonary hypoplasia and renal agenesis. Additional findings included malformed, low-set ears, a flattened nasal bridge, redundant nuchal skin, positional deformation of the extremities, rocker-bottom feet, and clitorimegaly. Cytogenetic study of peripheral blood and skin fibroblast culture revealed mosaicism for full trisomy 7, the skin showing 12% of the cells to have an extra 7. Comparison with one previously confirmed case of trisomy 7 and two cases of trisomy C suggests a correlation between trisomy 7 and Potter syndrome.

Human transferrin: cDNA characterization and chromosomal localization

Transferrin (Tf) is the major iron binding protein in vertebrate serum. It shares homologous amino acid sequences with four other proteins: lactotransferrin, ovotransferrin, melanoma antigen p97, and HuBlym-1. Antigen p97 and the Tf receptor genes have been mapped on human chromosome 3. The goal of the study described here was to initiate the characterization of the Tf gene by identifying and characterizing its cDNA and mapping its chromosomal location. Recombinant plasmids containing human cDNA encoding Tf have been isolated by screening an adult human liver library with a mixed oligonucleotide probe. Within the 2.3 kilobase pairs of Tf cDNA analyzed, there is a probable leader sequence encoded by 57 nucleotides followed by 2037 nucleotides that encode the homologous amino and carboxyl domains. During evolution, three areas of the homologous amino and carboxyl domains have been strongly conserved, possibly reflecting functional constraints associated with iron binding. Chromosomal mapping by in situ hybridization and somatic cell hybrid analysis indicate that the Tf gene is located at q21-25 on human chromosome 3, consistent with linkage of the Tf, Tf receptor, and melanoma p97 loci.

Localization of the haptoglobin α and β genes (HPA and HPB) to human chromosome 16q22 by in situ hybridization

Human haptoglobin (Hp) is a protein that binds free hemoglobin and circulates in plasma of vertebrates as a tetrachain (alpha beta)2 structure. This study maps HPA and HPB, the genes encoding the Hp alpha and beta chains to human chromosome band 16q22 by in situ hybridization.

Human antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and natural killer cytotoxicity to herpes simplex virus-infected autologous and allogeneic cells

Using cultured skin shavings, human cellular cytotoxicity to uninfected and herpes simplex virus (HSV)-infected autologous and allogeneic fibroblasts and Chang liver cells was analysed in a 51Cr release assay. The effector cell requirements and characterization, time kinetics and antibody requirements were similar using each HSV-infected target cell in an antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) system. There was lower natural killer cytotoxicity (NKC) to uninfected autologous cells than unrelated cells in an 18 hr assay. NKC to infected autologous and unrelated fibroblasts was similar to that mediated against Chang liver cells. Thus NKC to uninfected fibroblasts correlated with the relationship of effector and target cells while NKC to infected cells correlated with the intrinsic lytic potential of the effector cells. The autologous system offers little advantage in the analysis of ADCC or NKC in normal individuals to virus-infected cells, but is probably crucial for the detection of HLA-restricted T-cell cytotoxicity. The demonstration of autologous anti-viral ADCC and NKC lends further credence to the in vivo importance of the mechanisms.

Pseudo-drumsticks in granulocytes of a male with a Yqh+ polymorphism

An individual with normal male habitus, body proportions, and secondary sexual characteristics was admitted to the hospital with head trauma. A routine blood smear demonstrated that 36% of the granulocytes had "drumsticks". Chromosomal analysis revealed a 46,XYqh+ karyotype. the extremely large Y chromosome was located by quinacrine fluorescence in the "drumstick" of the polymorphonuclear granulocytes. The presence of a large Y chromosome may thus produce pseudo-drumsticks. Fluorescent staining can distinguish between true drumsticks bearing the inactive X of normal females and the pseudo-drumsticks in a normal male produced by a large Y chromosome.

Rapid karyotypic diagnosis of a case of trisomy 18 in the neonatal intensive care unit

Recent modifications in the technic of bone marrow preparation for karyotypic analysis permit confirmation of chromosomal aneuploidy such as trisomy 13, 18, or 21 within two to four hours. The patient reported illustrates how the technic of bone marrow karyotyping may assist the pediatrician in treating an acutely ill newborn, in accurately counseling parents, and in selecting with them an appropriate course of management.

A case of double trisomy in a liveborn infant: 48, XXY, "13

Ambigouous genitalia, microcephaly, microphthalmia, hyoptelorism, single choanal opening, low-set ears, simian creases, Tetralogy of Fallot, bilateral hydronephrosis, and absence of the left ureter characterized an infant the died 1 hour postpartum with the karyotype 48,XXY,+13.

Trisomy-18 mosaicism with features of Russel-Silver syndrome

A child is described who presented at 16 months with developmental delay and clinical features of the Russell-Silver syndrome. Chromosome analysis revealed trisomy-18 mosaicism. Only one other similar case has been reported in the literature. It is recommended that chromosomal studies continue to be included in the clinical investigation of children with Russell-Silver syndrome.

Developmental abnormalities associated with a ring chromosome 6

A clinical and cytogenetic report is made of a patient with microcephaly, peculiar facies, and retardation of physical and mental development, who possesses a karyotype containing a ring chromosome No. 6 identified by Q-staining with quinacrine mustard. This is the first report of a ring autosome in the C group to be identified. Comparison with other patients reported as having C-group autosomal rings failed to reveal many common phenotypic characteristics.

Trisomy 9 mosaicism with multiple congenital anomalies

A nine-year-old male with developmental abnormalities was found to be mosaic for an extra No. 9 chromosome (46,XY/47,XY,+9). The clinical findings included severe mental retardation, peculiar facies, short stature, hypotonia, dextroposition with a ventricular septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus, as well as significant abnormalities of the brain.

Factors affecting recognition and disjunction of chromosomes at distributive pairing in female Drosophila melanogaster. II. The effect of a second arm

The behavior of heterozygously inverted X chromosomes that were members of the distributive pool at least 70% of the time was studied when the other pool members were either two free 4's or one compound 4. The X's were structurally modified by additions or deletions of heterochromatin, so that the two homologues differed in both size and configuration or in size alone. In the noncompetitive situation, with two free 4's, recognition between the X's remained high despite the modifications, and primary X nondisjunction was low. In the competitive situation, with the compound 4, distributive nondisjunction of the X's increased approximately two orders of magnitude, and trivalent formation was indicated. Disjunction from the trivalent varied with X size and configuration. When both X's were acrocentric, the smaller X directed the larger X and the very small (see PDF) to the same pole; when the larger X carried a second arm, it assumed the directing role; when the size ratio of the smaller, one-armed X to the larger, two-armed X became less than approximately 5/9, the smaller X again directed the other two.

Factors affecting recognition and disjunction of chromosomes at distributive pairing in female Drosophila melanogaster. I. Total length vs. arm length

The behavior of a compound metacentric fourth chromosome (see PDF) has been examined to determine whether arm length or total length is the basis for recognition in distributive pairing. Recognition was judged by the frequency with which the (see PDF) nondisjoined from a series of X duplications (Dp), ranging in size from </= 0.3 to > 4 times the size of a single fourth chromosome. Dp, (see PDF) nondisjunction was measured in the absence and in the presence of a competitor, a compound metacentric X. In both situations, total length and not arm length, was found to confer the characteristic recognition property to the (see PDF). A comparison of Dp, (see PDF) nondisjunction curves for both the noncompetitive and competitive situations with analogous Dp, 4 curves previously obtained, show the Dp, (see PDF) curves to be similar in shape to those obtained earlier but displaced one unit to the right, corresponding precisely to the difference in size between the (see PDF) and the 4. Rules governing chromosome recognition for acrocentrics were found completely applicable to metacentrics; disjunctive behavior of metacentrics differed from that of acrocentrics in that two arms conferred on a chromosome the capacity to act as the intermediate of a trivalent when size no longer warranted this attribute. This capacity, itself, is size-dependent.

Ring-like configurations of nonring chromosomes in Drosophila melanogaster

Metaphase figures in ganglia and ovary squashes of Drosophila melanogaster show ring-like configurations of X chromosomes, which have been shown through genetic tests to be linear. Displaced heterochromatin at the tips of these chromosomes tends to hold the ends together, while in the euchromatic regions the chromatids repel each other, creating the ring effect. Ring-like figures in human preparations are considered.