Sorption of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) to K2Mn4O9 nanomaterial a Study of the effect of pH, time, temperature and interferences

A Rancieite type material (K₂Mn₄O₉) nanomaterial was synthesized and tested for the removal of chromium (III) and chromium (VI) from aqueous solutions. The synthesized nanomaterial was characterized using powder XRD and SEM. XRD showed weak diffraction peaks at only at the angles associated with K₂Mn₄O₉. The SEM corroborated that the nanoparticles were present; however, the nanoparticles were clustered into larger aggregates. Batch studies were performed to determine the optimum pH, capacity, time dependency, interferences, and the thermodynamics of the binding. The optimum pH for the binding of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were determined to be pH 5 and pH 2, respectively. Isotherm studies were performed at temperatures of 4 , 25 , and 45 for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) and showed binding capacities of 21.7 mg/g, 36.5 mg/g, 41.8 mg/g for Cr(III). The Cr(VI) binding capacities were 4.22 mg/g, 4.08 mg/g, and 3.25 mg/g at the respective temperatures. The thermodynamic studies showed that the binding processes for the reactions were spontaneous and endothermic, with a ΔH was 17.54 kJ/mol for Cr(III) and 6.05 kJ/mol for Cr(VI). The of sorption for Cr(III) were determined to be -3.88 kJ/mol, -5.83 kJ/mol and -7.03 kJ/mol at the aforementioned temperatures. The ΔG values for the Cr(VI) sorption were determined to be -4.89 kJ/mol, -5.64 kJ/mol, and -6.05 kJ/mol. In addition, the ΔS values for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were determined to be 77.92 J/mol and 39.49 J/mol, respectively. The thermodynamics indicate that the binding of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) is spontaneous and endothermic.

Recommendations of the 2006 Human Variome Project meeting

Lists of variations in genomic DNA and their effects have been kept for some time and have been used in diagnostics and research. Although these lists have been carefully gathered and curated, there has been little standardization and coordination, complicating their use. Given the myriad possible variations in the estimated 24,000 genes in the human genome, it would be useful to have standard criteria for databases of variation. Incomplete collection and ascertainment of variants demonstrates a need for a universally accessible system. These and other problems led to the World Heath Organization-cosponsored meeting on June 20-23, 2006 in Melbourne, Australia, which launched the Human Variome Project. This meeting addressed all areas of human genetics relevant to collection of information on variation and its effects. Members of each of eight sessions (the clinic and phenotype, the diagnostic laboratory, the research laboratory, curation and collection, informatics, relevance to the emerging world, integration and federation and funding and sustainability) developed a number of recommendations that were then organized into a total of 96 recommendations to act as a foundation for future work worldwide. Here we summarize the background of the project, the meeting and its recommendations.

Inherited hypertrichoses

Hypertrichosis is a rare condition characterized by excessive growth of hair (terminal, vellus or lanugo) in areas of the body that are not predominantly androgen dependent, and it is independent of age, race or sex. It can be congenital, late-onset, generalized, localized, inherited or acquired. More than 50 different OMIM entries related to hypertrichosis exist, few of them with a localized gene locus or with a candidate gene. The review of generalized hypertrichoses from a historical point of view, including a review of their clinical and genetic features, shows heterogeneity with at least nine different entities. A short analysis of other forms of hypertrichosis is presented.

Virtual molecular medicine in developing countries: the Mexican initiative

The limited resources of developing countries are forcing them to search for different options to keep up with the accelerating pace of research into genetic medicine. In Mexico, one such option is the Mexican Network of Molecular Biomedicine (MNMB). With the Internet as a means of communication and a source of information, the MNMB aims to provide a program based on cooperation, high-quality service and patient care.

A novel Leu171Pro mutation in presenilin-1 gene in a Mexican family with early onset Alzheimer disease

A search for mutations in exons 6, 7, 9 and 12 of the PS1 gene in four Mexican families with Early-Onset (36-40 years) Alzheimer Disease yielded the discovery in one family of a T-->C mismatch in exon 7 which correspond to nucleotide 760 of cDNA, leading to a Leu171Pro mutation. The pedigree analysis and the literature data strongly suggest an etiopathogenic relationship of the mutation with the disorder.

Antisera to selected outer membrane proteins of Vibrio cholerae protect against challenge with homologous and heterologous strains of V. cholerae

Each year cholera epidemics occur in various places around the world. Though there is no effective vaccine against cholera, people who recover from an infection usually have prolonged immunity to the disease. Sera from convalescent patients contain antibodies to a number of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of V. cholerae. We isolated several OMPs (43, 42, 30, and 22 kDa) from V. cholerae V86 E1 Tor Inaba, sequenced their amino-termini, and generated hyperimmune sera against them in rabbits. Antisera to the 43-, 42-, and 22-kDa OMPs, but not the preimmune sera, significantly reduced V. cholerae-induced fluid secretion seen in rabbit intestinal loops challenged with the homologous strain. In addition, a combination of antisera to the different OMPs reduced the fluid secretion induced by challenge with heterologous V. cholerae Ogawa and O139 strains. These results have significance in the development of vaccines to V. cholerae, as the hyperexpression of these OMP encoding genes in vaccine strains may improve the efficacy of cholera vaccines.

Recessive Schwartz-Jampel syndrome (SJS): confirmation of linkage to chromosome 1p, evidence of genetic homogeneity and reduction of the SJS locus to a 3-cM interval

Schwartz-Jampel syndrome (SJS), or chondrodystrophic myotonia, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by generalized myotonia resulting in a particular, recognizable facies and osteoarticular abnormalities. Some of us have recently shown genetic linkage of SJS to a locus on 1p34-p36.1 in five families. Here, we show by homozygosity mapping and segregation analysis that eight new families are most likely linked to the SJS locus on chromosome 1, confirming the localization of SJS to chromosome 1p and suggesting genetic homogeneity. Recombination events reduced the SJS locus from a genetic interval of 8 to 3 cM, which should facilitate the identification of the SJS gene. Low clinical variability was observed between the studied families, except for osteoarticular abnormalities. Since the severity and the location of osteoarticular abnormalities varied from one individual to another, even in the same families, other factors than the SJS gene itself, genetic or epigenetic, might contribute to the phenotype.

Parental origin of the extra chromosomes in polysomy X

Five polymorphic index markers were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to ascertain the parental origin of the extra X chromosomes in seven polysomic cases (one 49,XXXXX, three 49,XXXXY, two 48,XXXY, and one 48,XXYY). All four X chromosomes in 49, X polysomies were maternal in origin and the extra X chromosomes in 48 X polysomies were paternal. In each case the multiple X chromosomes were contributed by a single parent. Taken together with previously reported cases, these data support a single mechanism of sequential nondisjunction during either maternal or paternal gametogenesis as the cause of higher order sex chromosome polysomy.

Genetic evidence for a novel familial Alzheimer's disease locus on chromosome 14

Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) has been shown to be genetically heterogeneous, with a very small proportion of early onset pedigrees being associated with mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene on chromosome 21, and some late onset pedigrees showing associations with markers on chromosome 19. We now provide evidence for a major early onset FAD locus on the long arm of chromosome 14 near the markers D14S43 and D14S53 (multipoint lod score z = 23.4) and suggest that the inheritance of FAD may be more complex than had initially been suspected.

A distinct dysmorphic syndrome with congenital glaucoma and probable autosomal recessive inheritance

Three sisters with congenital glaucoma, peculiar facies and mild skeletal anomalies are described. It is concluded that such an aggregate of anomalies probably corresponds to a 'new' autosomal recessive syndrome.

Familial trisomy 3q25----qter. Report of two cases

Two girls with the trisomy 3q2 clinical syndrome are presented. Their fathers were twins and carried a t(3;8)(q25;p23). Case 1, aged 8 months, had a 46,XX,der(8) complement. Case 2, died at 5 months of age before cytogenetic study, was considered to have the same karyotype. Both cases combined showed the majority of phenotypical features of trisomy 3q2 syndrome, including facial appearance, glaucoma, and visceral malformations. This observation suggests that the trisomy 3q25----qter is sufficient to produce the syndrome which shows variable expression in these cases.

inv(5)(p13q13) in a four generation pedigree

A 4 1/2 years old boy was found to have hypoplasia of the pectoralis major right muscle and a karyotype 46,XY,inv(5)(p13q13)mat. This inversion, probably independent of the boy's malformation, was present in at least four generations and it seems neither to impair fertility nor to yield viable recombinants.

Cytogenetic evaluation of 163 azoospermics

A constitutional chromosomal aberration was diagnosed in 38/163 (23.3%) azoospermic patients. Whereas the 47,XXY complement was the commonest (31/38 cases), the following abnormal karyotypes were also found: 46,XX; 46,X,del(Y) (q11); 46,X,r(Y); 46,XY,inv(1) (p3500q21.3)mat; and 46,Y,t(X;3) (q26;q13.2)mat (both the deleted and the annular Y were observed twice). Pooled data from the literature showed that the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities is higher in azoospermic (150.4/1000) than in infertile (55.3/1000) males, which in turn is higher than in newborns (less than 6/1000). The observed different frequency between azoospermic and infertile individuals is given by several types of chromosomal abnormalities, mainly by the complement 47,XXY. The analysis also showed that the male infertility secondary to rob translocations and supernumerary marker chromosomes is usually not related to azoospermia. The contrary occurs in certain rcp and gonosome;autosome translocations and in autosome inversions.

Autosomal dominant piebaldism and mental retardation syndrome associated with a t(1;2) (p22.1;q36)

A syndrome of piebaldism and mild to moderate mental retardation was present in 3 sibs and their father. Besides, the disorder was segregating concordantly with a t(1;2) (p22.1;q36). It is concluded that the syndrome is due, either by gene breakage or dysfunction, to the translocation.

Trisomy 6qter resulting from a familial (6;10) (q23;q26) translocation

An infant deceased at 2 months of age was found to have a 46,XY,-10, +der(10),t (6;10) (q23;q26) mat karyotype. Since the clinical findings were similar to those of the trisomy 6qter syndrome, the present observation agrees with the assignment of the 6q23----qter segment as the pathogenetic determiner of this entity.

Familial inv(2) (p2300q11.2)

A hitherto undescribed inv(2) (p2300q11.2) was found in 2 generations of a family ascertained through a holoprosencephalic liveborn boy with normal karyotype. This inversion, quite probably not related to the child malformations, does not seem neither impair reproductive fitness nor to yield viable recombination aneusomies.

Acentric craniofacial cleft in a newborn female prenatally exposed to a high dose of diazepam

A newborn female with craniofacial clefts, including cleft lip and palate, was studied. The mother had ingested 580 mg of diazepam in a single dose at about the 43rd day of gestation. The synchronism of the drug intake and the embryological development of the affected structures suggests an etiopathogenic relationship.

Del (8) (q212q2200) de novo in a boy without Langer-Giedion syndrome

A two year-old boy with congenital malformations, psychomotor retardation and absence of phenotypical features of the Langer-Giedion syndrome (LGS) was found to have a de novo del (8) (q212q2200). The comparative analysis with other 8q monosomic cases suggests the existence of at least two distinct syndromes: one due to the monosomy of a part of the segment 8q22----q24, clinically manifested as the LGS, and the other to the deletion of the band 8q21.

Phosphoglucomutase: evidence for a new locus expressed in human milk

Electrophoretic study of phosphoglucomutase (PGM) in human milk revealed different patterns that can be explained by the existence of a locus distinct from the common PGM1, PGM2, and PGM3. One hundred and forty samples were tested and the results showed four different alleles of PGM4 whose frequencies were under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

Deficient cell immunity and mild intermittent hyperaminoacidemia in a patient with the Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome

A boy aged 2 years 8 months presenting the Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RTS) and a history of recurrent gastrointestinal and respiratory infections was studied. Partial deficient cell immunity and intermittent hyperaminoacidemia and aminoaciduria were ascertained. These findings were interpreted as evidence of phenotypic and probably genetic heterogeneity of RTS.

Human acrocentric ring chromosomes and satellite association

In four cases of human acrocentric ring chromosomes r(21)(p13q22); r(21)(p11q22); r(13)(p11q?); and R(21)(P11Q22), association of the annular with normal D and G chromosomes was found. This finding indicates that: 1) the "satellite" association is not terminal 2) the heterochromatic region (band p11) adjacent to the acrocentric short arm constriction contains nucleolar organizers (NOs), although bands p12 and 13 could not be excluded; and 3) band p11 probably has two different functional sites, a distal NO+ and a proximal NO-. Related studies on three C/G translocation carriers suggest a non-specific interphase interchromosomal relationship.

The 12p trisomy syndrome

Trisomy for the short arm of chromosome number 12 was diagnosed (by a G-banding method) in a girl with multiple congenital defects. Her mother and two sisters showed a balanced translocation 46,XX,rcp(12;21)(p11;p11), so, the affected girl was the result of a maternal adjacen t-1 meiotic segregation with a karyotype 46,XX,der21,rcp(12;12)(p11;q11)mat. Another sister decreased at 3 yr of age showed similar phenotypical features and was considered also affected although no karyotype studies were performed. Both affected cases were compared with a previous one and the concordant characteristics allowed the individualization of the following syndrome: severe mental retardation, peculiar flat facies with prominent checks, epicanthic folds, broad and irregular implantation of the eyebrows, broad and flat nasal bridge with short and narrow nose, anteverted nostrils and large philtrum, broad and prominent lower lip, low set ears with folded helix, prominent anthelix and deep concha, "spade" shape fingers (sharp-pointed distal phalanges) with shortness of the fifth, bilateral genu valgum, slightly increased space between first and second toes, secral dimple, generalized hypotonia and hyporeflexia of knees and ankles, nistagmus, retarded and dysrythmic bone age, simian creases or equivalent and distal axial triradii.

Trisomy iop. A report of two cases due to a familial translocation rcp (10;21) (pII;pII)

Trisomy for the short arm of chromosome number 10 was diagnosed (by a G-banding method) in two sisters with multiple congenital defects. Their mother and two other sisters showed a balanced translocation 46,XX rcp(10;21)(p11;p11), so the affected girls were the result of a maternal adjacent-1 meiotic segregation with a karyotype 46,XX, der(21), rcp(10;21)(p11;p11)mat. The concordant features in the abnormal patients constitute the following syndrome: severe psychomotor retardation, congenital microsomatia, mild hydrocephalus with cranium-face disproportion, low set ears with hypoplastic helix, ocular colobomata, pulmonary stenosis,flexion deformity of wrists and elbows, bilateral fifth finger clinodactyly and simian creases, hypoplastic dermal ridges, bilateral talipes, persistent icterus and delayed bone age. The phenotypical and cytogenetic findings permit the individualization of the 10p trisomy.

Models for clonal evolutions: a study of chronic myelogenous leukemia

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