Development of a new peptide-bead coupling method for an all peptide-based Luminex multiplexing assay for detection of Plasmodium falciparum antibody responses

Using a recombinant protein antigen for antibody testing shows a sum of antibody responses to multiple different immune epitopes existing in the protein antigen. In contrast, the antibody testing to an immunogenic peptide epitope reflects a singular antibody response to the individual peptide epitope. Therefore, using a panel of peptide epitopes provides an advantage for profiling multiple singular antibody responses with potential to estimate recent malaria exposure in human infections. However, transitioning from malaria immune epitope peptide-based ELISA to an all peptide bead-based multiplex Luminex assay presents some challenges including variation in the ability of different peptides to bind beads. The aim of this study was to develop a peptide coupling method while demonstrating the utility of these peptide epitopes from multiple stage antigens of Plasmodium falciparum for measuring antibodies. Successful coupling of peptide epitopes to beads followed three steps: 1) development of a peptide tag appended to the C-terminus of each peptide epitope consisting of beta-alanine-lysine (x 4)--cysteine, 2) bead modification with a high concentration of adipic acid dihydrazide, and 3) use of the peptide epitope as a blocker in place of the traditional choice, bovine serum albumin (BSA). This new method was used to couple 12 peptide epitopes from multiple stage specific antigens of P. falciparum, 1 Anopheles mosquito salivary gland peptide, and 1 Epstein-Barr virus peptide as an assay control. The new method was applied to testing of IgG in pooled samples from 30 individuals with previously repeated malaria exposure in western Kenya and IgM and IgG in samples from 37 U.S. travelers with recent exposure to malaria. The new peptide-bead coupling method and subsequent multiplex Luminex assay showed reliable detection of IgG to all 14 peptides in Kenyan samples. Among 37 samples from U.S. travelers recently diagnosed with malaria, IgM and IgG to the peptide epitopes were detected with high sensitivity and variation. Overall, the U.S. travelers had a much lower positivity rates of IgM than IgG to different peptide epitopes, ranging from a high of 62.2% positive for one epitope to a low of only 5.4% positive for another epitope. In contrast, the travelers had IgG positive rates from 97.3% to 91.9% to various peptide epitopes. Based on the different distribution in IgM and IgG positivity to overall number of peptide epitopes and to the number of pre-erythrocytic, erythrocytic, gametocytic, and salivary stage epitopes at the individual level, four distinct patterns of IgM and IgG responses among the 37 samples from US travelers were observed. Independent peptide-bead coupling and antibody level readout between two different instruments also showed comparable results. Overall, this new coupling method resolves the peptide-bead coupling challenge, is reproducible, and can be applied to any other immunogenic peptide epitopes. The resulting all peptide bead-based multiplex Luminex assay can be expanded to include other peptide epitopes of P. falciparum, different malaria species, or other diseases for surveillance, either in US travelers or endemic areas.

Hispanic Parents’ Involvement and Teachers’ Empowerment as Pathways to Hispanic English Learners’ Academic Performance

This study examines the relationship between Hispanic English learners’ learning, their parents’ involvement, and their teachers’ empowerment through professional knowledge. It is believed that Hispanic parents’ involvement in their children’s school activities is more influential to academic performance and educational attitudes than is teacher empowerment alone. A total of 339 Hispanic English learners, 339 parents, and 40 teachers participated in this study. Structural equation modelling was used. The analysis produced an empirical model with a nonsignificant value of χ2 (53.11). Due to the nonsignificant difference of the p value, the empirical model was found to be a good fit. These results revealed that Hispanic parents’ involvement has a positive impact on their children’s academic performance, and that teachers’ empowerment has a negative impact when primarily focused on professional knowledge attainment only.

p53 expression in oral lichenoid lesions and oral lichen planus

The aim of this article was to compare the expression of p53 protein in oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid reaction (OLR). The study population consisted of 65 patients--31 diagnosed with OLP and 34 with OLR. The results showed more p53 positive cases in the OLP group than in the OLR group. However, the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.114). The most common immunolocalization was observed at the basal cell layer. Due to the chance of potential future malignancy, follow-up for all cases is recommended.

Fryns syndrome with vertebral defects: a novel association in a Mexican infant

We report a Mexican mestizo 2 months old male with Fryns syndrome and vertebral defects. The patient's phenotype included typical craniofacial dysmorphism, short neck, agenesis of the corpus callosum, congenital left diaphragmatic hernia, complex heart disease, C1 to C6 vertebral agenesis with increased interpedicular space, thoracic rotoscoliosis, broad medial ends of the clavicles, brachytelephalangy of hands and feet with fingers axially deviated, and nail hypoplasia. Renal and chromosomal evaluations were normal. Since this is the first description of cervical vertebrae agenesis and thoracic rotoscoliosis in Fryns syndrome, we propose that these clinical and radiological features should be incorporated to the Fryns syndrome phenotype and specifically looked for in other children.

De novo dup p/del q or dup q/del p rearranged chromosomes: review of 104 cases of a distinct chromosomal mutation

We compiled 104 constitutional de novo or sporadic rearranged chromosomes mimicking recombinants from a parental pericentric inversion in order to comment on their occurrence and parental derivation, meiotic or postzygotic origin, mean parental ages, and underlying pathways. Chromosomes involved were 1-9, 13-18, 20-22, and X (64 autosomes and 40 X chromosomes). In the whole series, mean paternal and maternal ages in cases of paternal (proved or possible; n=29) or maternal (proved or possible; n=36) descent were 31.14 and 28.31 years, respectively. Rearranged X chromosomes appeared to be of paternal descent and to arise through intrachromosomal non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR), whereas rec-like autosomes were of either maternal or paternal origin and resulted from mechanisms proper of non-recurrent rearrangements. Except for some mosaic cases, most rearranged chromosomes apparently had a meiotic origin. Except for 8 rearranged X chromosomes transmitted maternally, all other cases compiled here were sporadic. Hence, the recurrence risk for sibs of propositi born to euploid parents is virtually zero, regardless of the imbalance's size. In brief, recombinant-like or rea chromosomes are not related to advanced parental age, may (chromosome X) or may not (autosomes) have a parent-of-origin bias, arise in meiosis or postzygotically, and appear to be mediated by NAHR, nonhomologous end joining, and telomere transposition. Because rearranged chromosomes 10, 11, and Y are also on record, albeit just in abstracts or listed in large series, we remark that all chromosomes can undergo this distinct rearrangement, even if it is still to be described for pairs 12 and 19.

Local ethanol injection for the treatment of deltoid parathyroid cell hyperplasia

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a serious complication in dialysis patients and is routinely managed with medical therapy. Refractory disease is usually treated either surgically or by local ethanol injection into the parathyroid glands. Total parathyroidectomy with deltoid implant can be successful; however, recurrent, resistant disease is not uncommon. Local ethanol injection was applied to the deltoid autoimplant of a patient with recurrent, resistant SHPT, which had not been resolved with surgical treatment. Serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels subsequently decreased from 1,400 to 219 pg/dl and remained stable for the next 6 months. To our knowledge, this procedure has not been previously described in the literature. Local injection of ethanol may represent an interesting alternative to surgery for the treatment of deltoid parathyroid cell hyperplasia in patients in which surgical treatment is not an option.

De novo dup(7)(q21q22.2) and cytogenetics of 7q21q34 duplications

We report on a constitutional dup(7)(q21q22.2) and compile 25 similar mid-7q imbalances in order to sort out relevant cytogenetic aspects. The propositus was first karyotyped elsewhere at 2 years of age and found to have a de novo 7q+ chromosome. When reassessed at 22 years of age, he exhibited overt mental disability, marked speech delay, mild short stature, frontal bossing, and mild dysmorphisms. The patient's chromosomes were analyzed in metaphases from a lymphocyte culture by means of G-banding and FISH assays with a wcp 7 and two dual probes, namely ELN (7q11)/D7S2686 (7q22) and ELN (7q11)/D7S486, D7S522 (q31). G-bands revealed a 7q21q22.2 direct duplication that was confirmed by FISH: the 7q+ was entirely painted with the wcp and had two 7q22 signals but a single 7q31 signal. Thus, the patient's karyotype was 46,XY, dup(7)(q21q22.2).ish dup(7)(q21 q22.2)(wcp7+, ELN+, D7S2686++, D7S486+)dn. Among 26 interstitial duplications confined to the segment 7q21q34, 13 were contiguous de novo duplications, one was due to a de novo ins (19;7), and 12 were inherited from carriers of inter-/intrachromosomal insertions or complex rearrangements. Mean paternal and maternal ages in de novo contiguous duplications of paternal/unknown (n = 9) or maternal/unknown (n = 10) descent were 33.44 and 30.9 yr whereas median ages were 29 and 30, respectively. The patient's clinical picture confirms the mild or moderate phenotypical repercussion of mid-7q duplications; among 25 patients born alive, 24 (including six teenagers or older) were still alive when reported on.

Measurement of the proton-air cross section at √s=57 TeV with the Pierre Auger Observatory

We report a measurement of the proton-air cross section for particle production at the center-of-mass energy per nucleon of 57 TeV. This is derived from the distribution of the depths of shower maxima observed with the Pierre Auger Observatory: systematic uncertainties are studied in detail. Analyzing the tail of the distribution of the shower maxima, a proton-air cross section of [505±22(stat)(-36)(+28)(syst)] mb is found.

A capillary electrophoresis sequencing method for the identification of mutations in the inverted terminal repeats of adeno-associated virus

Inverted terminal repeat (ITR) integrity is critical for the replication, packaging, and transduction of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV), a promising gene therapy vector. Because AAV ITRs possess 70% GC content and are palindromic, they are notoriously difficult to sequence. The purpose of this work was to develop a reliable ITR sequencing method. The ITRs of two molecular clones of AAV2, pTZAAV and pAV2, were (1) sequenced directly from plasmid DNA in the presence of denaturant (direct sequencing method, DSM) or (2) first amplified in a reaction in which 7-deaza-dGTP was substituted for dGTP and the resultant amplification product sequenced (amplification sequencing method, ASM). The DSM and ASM techniques yielded clear chromatograms, read through the ITR hairpin, and revealed hitherto unreported mutations in each ITR. pTZAAV and pAV2 possess identical mutations at the upstream MscI site of the 5' ITR (T>G, nt 2) and the downstream MscI site of the 3' ITR (del. nt 4672-4679). The chromatograms for pAV2 also revealed that the ITRs of this construct were arranged in a FLOP/FLOP orientation. In addition, the DSM was successfully employed to recover ITR-chromosomal junction sequences from a variety of rAAV-transduced tissue types. Both the DSM and ASM can be employed to sequence through the AAV ITR hairpin, and both techniques reliably detect mutations in the ITR. Because the DSM and ASM offer a way to verify ITR integrity, they constitute powerful tools for the process development of rAAV gene therapy.

Pure duplication 21q21.2-->qter due to a rea(21) in a Down syndrome girl. Remarks on nomenclature

We report on an 8-year-old girl with a typical Down syndrome phenotype and a 46,XX,rea(21)(qter-->p12::q21.2-->qter).ish rea(21)(qter-->pl2::q21.2-->qter)(LSI 21++,AML1++) karyotype; the mother had normal chromosomes but the father was unavailable. The great resemblance of the patient's rearranged chromosome to the rec(21)dup(q) from a parental pericentric inversion suggests that it would be better depicted as a recombinant-like chromosome. Altogether, 13 recombinant-like chromosomes of de novo or unknown (parents not karyotyped) origin have been described. Although these rearranged chromosomes should formally be described as derivatives because no parental inversion is identified, we underlie that the unofficial term recombinant-like would be more appropriate because no "multiple aberrations within a single chromosome" (as required by the ISCN) have been proved, not to mention that the term derivative usually designates abnormal chromosomes resulting from a translocation between non homologous chromosomes. Accordingly, we prefer to identify such rearrangements of a single chromosome precisely with the more neutral and sanctioned term rea (expanding its use to designate a rearranged chromosome) coupled with the lengthy description of the abnormal chromosome. We assume that the rea(21) chromosomes result from illegitimate recombination between non allelic homologous LCRs located in both the short and long arms.

Differential enamel and osteogenic gene expression profiles in odontogenic tumors

Odontogenic tumors occur within the jaw bones and may be derived from odontogenic epithelium or ectomesenchyme or contain active components of both tissue types. We investigated the gene expression profile of enamel matrix proteins (EMPs), genes related to osteogenesis, and the mineralization process in odontogenic tumor cell populations focusing on an ameloblastoma (AB-1), a keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT-1), and a calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT-1). All cell populations were shown to be epithelial in origin by CK14 expression. All tested EMPs were expressed by all odontogenic tumor cell types, with higher transcript levels seen in the AB-1 population especially for AMEL, AMBN, and ODAM. CEOT-1 cell populations showed a greater content of ALP-positive cells as well as higher ALP mRNA levels. Using qRT-PCR, we found a higher expression of 8 genes in the CEOT-1 compared to the AB-1 and KCOT-1. In this study we demonstrated the establishment of AB-1, KCOT-1 and CEOT-1 cell populations. The unique gene expression profiles of AB-1, KCOT-1, and CEOT-1 cells and their interactions with the surrounding microenvironment may support their unique tumor development, progression, and survival.

Community responses to a suicidal crisis: implications for suicide prevention

We conducted a cross-sectional, random-digit-dial survey to evaluate public responses to a hypothetical question: "If someone you knew was suicidal, what would you do first?" Younger people were more likely to call a suicide hotline, and less likely to go to an emergency room (ER) or call 911; immigrants (in the U.S. < 15 years) were more likely to call 911, and less likely to call a suicide hotline; African Americans were more likely to go to the ER and call 911; Hispanics were more likely to call 911 but less likely to call a suicide hotline. These results suggest that public messages about hotlines and emergency options for suicidal patients need to be tailored to relevant population characteristics including age, education, ethnicity, and language preferences.

Duplication 5q and deletion 9p due to a t(5;9)(q34;p23) in 2 cousins with features of Hunter-McAlpine syndrome and hypothyroidism

We report on 2 similarly affected cousins with a compound imbalance resulting from a familial t(5;9)(q34;p23) and entailing both an ∼17-Mb 5q terminal duplication and an ∼12-Mb 9p terminal deletion as determined by G-banding, subtelomere FISH, and aCGH. The proband's karyotype was 46,XX,der(9)t(5;9)(q34;p23)mat.ish der(9)t(5;9)(q34;p23)(9pter-,5qter+).arr 5q34q35(163,328,000-180,629,000)×3, 9p24p23(194,000-12,664,000)×1. Her cousin had the same unbalanced karyotype inherited from his father. The clinical phenotype mainly consists of a distinct craniofacial dysmorphism featuring microcephaly, flat facies, down slanting palpebral fissures, small flat nose, long philtrum, and small mouth with thin upper lip. Additional remarkable findings were craniosynostosis of several sutures, craniolacunia and preaxial polydactyly in the proband and hypothyroidism in both subjects. The observed clinical constellation generally fits the phenotypic spectrum of the 5q distal duplication syndrome (known also as Hunter-McAlpine syndrome), except for the thyroid insufficiency which can likely be ascribed to the concurrent 9p deletion, as at least 4 other 9pter monosomic patients without chromosome 5 involvement had this hormonal disorder. The present observation further confirms the etiology of the HMS phenotype from gain of the 5q35→qter region, expands the clinical pictures of partial trisomy 5q and monosomy 9p, and provides a comprehensive list of 160 patients with 5q distal duplication.

Phylogenetic analysis of classical swine fever virus isolates from Peru

Classical swine fever (CSF) is considered to be endemic in Peru with outbreaks reported to the World Organization for Animal Health as recently as 2008 and 2009. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the genetic subgroup(s) of CSF virus that are circulating in Peru or their relationship to recent CSF viruses that have been isolated from neighbouring South American countries or other parts of the world. In this study, we molecularly characterize CSF viruses that were isolated from domestic pigs from different regions of Peru from the middle of 2007 to early 2008. All virus isolates were found to belong to genetic subgroup 1.1, consistent with the subgroup of viruses that have been identified from other South American countries. Although the Peruvian isolates are most closely related to viruses from Colombia and Brazil, they form a monophyletic clade, which suggests they have a distinct evolutionary history.

Mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics interplay in complex I-deficient fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Complex I (CI) deficiency is the most frequent cause of OXPHOS disorders. Recent studies have shown increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial network disturbances in patients' fibroblasts harbouring mutations in CI subunits.

OBJECTIVES

The present work evaluates the impact of mutations in the NDUFA1 and NDUFV1 genes of CI on mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics, in fibroblasts from patients suffering isolated CI deficiency.

RESULTS

Decreased oxygen consumption rate and slow growth rate were found in patients with severe CI deficiency. Mitochondrial diameter was slightly increased in patients' cells cultured in galactose or treated with 2'-deoxyglucose without evidence of mitochondrial fragmentation. Expression levels of the main proteins involved in mitochondrial dynamics, OPA1, MFN2, and DRP1, were slightly augmented in all patients' cells lines. The study of mitochondrial dynamics showed delayed recovery of the mitochondrial network after treatment with the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (cccp) in patients with severe CI deficiency. Intracellular ROS levels were not increased neither in glucose nor galactose medium in patients' fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

Our main finding was that severe CI deficiency in patients harbouring mutations in the NDUFA1 and NDUFV1 genes is linked to a delayed mitochondrial network recovery after cccp treatment. However, the CI deficiency is neither associated with massive mitochondrial fragmentation nor with increased ROS levels. The different genetic backgrounds of patients with OXPHOS disorders would explain, at least partially, differences in the pathophysiological manifestations of CI deficiency.

A teenager with a t(X;17)(q22;q25) and ovarian failure

BACKGROUND

The effects of a balanced X; Autosome translocation [t(X;A)] on the fertility of carrier females led to the definition of the Xq13-->q27 region as critical for ovarian function and reproductive lifespan. We describe here a teenager with ovarian failure likely due to a balanced t(X;17)(q22;q25).

CASE

The 16 year-old patient presented with secondary amenorrhea. She exhibited height of 164 cm, slender habitus, and sexual development Tanner 2.

METHODS

Hormonal determinations, GTG- and RBG-banded karyotypes, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and human androgen receptor assay.

RESULTS

FSH of 141 mIU/ml and LH of 46 mIU/ml); karyotype 46,X,t(X;17)(q22;q25)[30].ish der(X)t(X;1 7)(17qsubt el+); skewed inactivation of the normal X which was the maternal one as shown by the HUMARA assay. The maternal chromosomes were 46,XX; the father was unavailable.

CONCLUSIONS

The patient's (X;17) translocation likely accounts for her ovarian failure via an epigenetic downregulation of ovary expressed 17q25 genes relocated next to the Xq21 POF Critical Region 1 and related to ovarian development and function. Her otherwise inconspicuous phenotype agrees with the preferential inactivation of the normal X-chromosome that preserves the gene homeostasis in women with a balanced t(X;A). Finally, the normal maternal karyotype along with the HUMARA results and the sterility of males carrying a t(X;A) strongly suggests that this t(X;17) was a paternal de novo mutation.

Variegated-like mosaicism and ring syndrome in a r(4) boy. Appraisal of 38 patients with a fairly complete ring 4

A 13-month-old boy with normal development and growth failure of prenatal onset but no other physical stigmata had a 46,XY,r(4)(p1 6.3q35).ish (4psubtel-, WHS1+, 4qsubtel+, pantel-) de novo karyotype. The analysis of 50-106 metaphases from each of four lymphocyte cultures (three of 72 h including one without colchicine and one of 96 h) revealed a dynamic mosaicism in 22-36% of cells. We did not observe a normal cell line. Hypoploidies (excluding ring losses) were observed in 2-7% of metaphases from colchicine-arrested cultures whereas tetraploidies were observed in 2-12% of metaphases from all four lymphocyte cultures. Further FISH studies were carried out on interphase nuclei from uncultured buccal cells and lymphocytes using two alphoid (CEP 1 and 9), a dual CEP X/SRY, and (in the former only) a subtel 4p probes. We scored 70-131 nuclei per assay and found apparent heteroploidies in approximately 1-47% of cells for CEP 1, CEP 9, subtel 4p, and SRY but not for CEP X. The patient's phenotype was typical of the ring syndrome and comparable to 9/37 previous r(4) cases. Moreover, all 38 patients were alive at the time of reporting and none has developed cancer. The 2-7% rate of hypodiploid cells in colchicine-arrested cultures and the approximately 1-47% rate of apparent heteroploidies in nuclei of uncultured cells evoke the in vitro and in vivo findings in patients with mosaic variegated aneuploidy (MVA). We conclude that our observation highlights the clinical and cytogenetical overlapping between the ring syndrome and the MVA syndrome; the crucial difference is the high risk of cancer related to BUB1B mutations in the latter.

Interstitial 1q42-q44 deletion defined by FISH in a short-lived female

We report a female newborn with a de novo 1q4 deletion ascertained by G bands but refined as an interstitial one by FISH with a subtelomeric 1q probe; hence, the final karyotype was 46,XX,del(1)(q42q44).ish subtel1q x 2. She presented a few typical features of the del(1q42) syndrome. Additionally, she showed occipital skin aplasia, interauricular communication, and intestinal perforation-obstruction and she died at 24 days of age. This observation illustrates the clinical variability of the syndrome as well as the occasional reduced survival. The redefinition by molecular cytogenetics of a terminal deletion as an interstitial one suggests that interstitial deletions are more common than reported by classic cytogenetics and can partially account for the phenotypic variability in some deletion syndromes.

Dentin in severe fluorosis: a quantitative histochemical study

Dentin responds to different alterations in the enamel with hypermineralization, and is a biomarker of fluoride exposure. We hypothesized that severe fluorosis would lead to hypermineralization of the dentin when the enamel was severely affected. We used scanning electron microscopy and quantitative electron-probe microanalysis to compare dentin and enamel from healthy and fluorotic teeth. The dentin in fluorotic teeth was characterized by a highly mineralized sclerotic pattern, in comparison with control teeth (p < 0.001) and fluorotic enamel lesions (p < 0.001). Enamel near the lesions showed hypercalcification in comparison with dentin (p < 0.001). In response to the effects of severe fluorosis in the enamel, the dentin showed hypermineralization, as found in other enamel disorders. The hypermineralization response of the dentin in our samples suggests that the mechanism of the response should be taken into account in dental caries and other dental disorders associated with severe fluorosis.

Self-clearance from BVDV infections--a frequent finding in dairy herds in an endemically infected region in Peru

In this cross-sectional study, a stratified two-stage random sampling procedure was employed to select 221 dairy herds for bulk tank milk (BTM) sampling, and a subset of 55 dairy herds for individual blood sampling of a number of young animals (spot test), to predict presence or absence of current BVDV infection, and for data collection. The prediction was based on the high probability of seropositivity in groups of animals where PI animals are present because of the efficient spread of virus from PI animals to the surrounding group. BTM samples were collected in August 2003 (n=192) and February 2004 (n=195), and the 55 herds selected for spot testing and data collection were visited in December 2003. All samples were tested for presence of BVDV specific antibodies using a commercial indirect ELISA (SVANOVA Biotech AB, Uppsala, Sweden). The results demonstrated a very high level of exposure to BVDV in the region, and the proportion of herds with high antibody levels in the BTM was above 95% on both occasions. Despite this, almost two thirds of the herds had spot test results indicating absence of current infection, suggesting a high probability of self-clearance. A logistic regression model with the results from the spot tests as dependent variable was used to investigate possible herd and management factors associated with self-clearance, and suggested that this may occur regardless of herd size. Even though it is well established that the process of identification and elimination of PI animals is required within a systematic BVDV eradication programme, the present study strongly suggests that many herds may be cleared without intervention even in regions with high cattle density and high BVDV prevalence. Consequently, in any BVDV infected population (regardless of the herd-level BVDV seroprevalence), and at any given point of time, a large proportion of the herds will be free from infection due to self-clearance. Self-clearance is therefore a process that works in favour of any effort to control BVDV, which should be taken into account when planning and assessing the cost-effectiveness of a systematic control programme.

A de novo (1;2;3;15;18) chromosome rearrangement with six nonreciprocal translocations

A de novo complex chromosome rearrangement (CCR) found in a phenotypically abnormal boy was characterized by G-bands, FISH with subtelomere probes, and M-FISH. The G-banding analysis revealed involvement of chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 15, and 18 with (at least) eight breakpoints, five nonreciprocal translocations (1q --> 2q --> 8q --> 15q --> 2p --> 1q), and a 3p insertion into the der(2); there was also a presumptive deletion of 1q41. The 5 derivatives were described as follows: der(1)(1pter --> 1q32.3?::2p21--> 2pter),der(2)(1qter --> 1q42?::2q24.2 --> 2p21::3p13 --> 3p26::15q15 --> 15qter),der(3)(3qter --> 3p13:),der(15)(15pter --> 15q15::18q11 --> 18qter),der(18)(18pter --> 18q11::2q24.2 --> 2qter). The molecular assays confirmed the segmental composition of each derivative and documented the localization of most relevant telomeres. In addition to the novelty of the 1, 2, 3, 15 and 18 combination, this CCR may also be unique in the sense that it represents a cluster of 6 nonreciprocal transpositions regardless of the occurrence (or lack thereof) of secondary unbalances. Finally, there appears to be an excess of CCRs in fetuses conceived by intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Presynchronization with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Does Not Improve Fertility in Holstein Heifers

Holstein dairy heifers were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments to determine whether a presynchronization strategy using GnRH would improve reproductive performance after synchronization of ovulation and timed artificial insemination (TAI). Heifers (n = 82) in the first treatment (GPG) received a hormonal protocol for synchronization of ovulation and TAI (100 microg of GnRH, d 0; 25 mg of PGF2alpha, d 6; 100 microg of GnRH + TAI, d 8); whereas heifers (n = 84) in the second treatment (GGPG) received GPG, but with the addition of a GnRH injection (100 microg) 7 d before initiation of the GPG protocol. The proportion of heifers receiving AI before d 8 was similar for GPG (4.9%) and GGPG (9.5%), and the proportion of heifers diagnosed pregnant 30 d after AI did not differ between treatments (45 vs. 51%, respectively). Treatment did not affect the proportion of heifers ovulating after the second GnRH injection or the proportion in which a corpus luteum regressed after treatment with PGF2alpha. In conclusion, presynchronization with GnRH 7 d before initiation of synchronization of ovulation using GnRH and PGF2alpha did not affect the proportion of heifers expressing estrus before TAI or improve synchronization response or fertility to the synchronization protocol.

A highly complex rea(2;3;11) and aniridia by position effect

A two-year-old boy presenting with bilateral aniridia and psychomotor retardation had a de novo (2;3;11) highly complex rearrangement which was characterized as far as possible by means of G-banding and FISH assays with multiple probes including cosmids for the Wilms, Aniridia, Genital anomalies and Retardation (WAGR) region, alphoid repeats for chromosomes 2, 3 and 11, subtelomere probes for 2p/2q, 3p/3q and 11q and BACs for 2q32 and 3q13. We identified approximately 15 breakpoints with at least three interchromosomal and three intrachromosome anomalies involving chromosome 11. Both parents had normal karyotypes and no cryptic 11p rearrangements revealed by the chromosome 11 cosmid panel. The lack of a deletion of PAX6 pointed to the direct insertion of an approximately 300-kb segment involving the cosmids FO2121 and AO4160, and more specifically the insertion's proximal breakpoint in the approximately 150-kb segment between FO2121 and FAT5 (PAX6), as the responsible factor for the patient's aniridia via a position effect resulting in functional haploinsufficiency of the PAX6 gene. This case illustrates the importance of recognizing that de novo complex chromosomal rearrangements found in patients with diverse clinical features may contribute to the phenotype, but that multiple mechanisms and higher levels of complexity may be unmasked by high resolution molecular cytogenetic studies.

A prospective study of the effect of Neospora caninum and BVDV infections on bovine abortions in a dairy herd in Arequipa, Peru

We used a prospective seroepidemiological approach to investigate endemic abortion in a dairy herd in Arequipa, Peru, and its association with Neospora caninum and bovine viral-diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infections. Between January 2002 and March 2004, 1094 pregnancies were confirmed in 538 cows. Of these, 137 pregnancies (13%) in 121 cows ended in abortion. The serological status to N. caninum was assessed using a single serological screening, whereas BVDV status was assessed at the herd level through consecutive samplings of young stock. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to estimate the effect of N. caninum and BVDV on the hazard of early (between day 42 and day 100 in gestation), and late (after day 100) abortions, respectively. Serological status to N. caninum was included as a dichotomous variable, and the effect of BVDV estimated at the herd level, as a time-dependent seasonal effect. Because data from repeated pregnancies were included, we considered possible lack of independence between observations and included frailty effects into the models. Our models also considered the possible confounding by parity and animal origin. Only multiparity was associated with the hazard of early abortion (HR=2.8 compared to nulliparous heifers). N. caninum seropositivity significantly affected the hazard of late abortion, but interacted with parity. The HRs for Neospora-positive animals were 6.4, 3.7 and 1.9, respectively, for nulliparous heifers, first-lactation cows and multiparous cows. Evidence of BVDV circulating (or not) among the young stock was not associated with abortions, but few cows in this herd were susceptible to incident infection.

Follow-up of an intelligent odd-mannered teenager with del(3)(p26). Remarks on authorship and ethical commitment

A male teenager formerly found to have a 46,XY,del(3)(p26)de novo karyotype was restudied. At the age of 14(8/12) yr, he attends the last grade of middle school and was a cooperating teenager with slender habitus, severe myopia, prominent nose, sacral dimples, pubertal stage Tanner III, and multiple surgical scars. Neuropsychological studies revealed a full scale IQ of 95 with slow performance (WISC-IV Spanish test) as well as an internalizing behavioral profile, poor social skills, a mild attention deficit, somatic complaints, and a feminized gender role. FISH with the 3p subtelomeric probe revealed that the deleted chromosome actually lacked the specific signal (n=10 cells). The patient's average intelligence confirms that euchromatic imbalances do not necessarily cause mental retardation and suggests that his deletion actually included the CALL gene, the Contactin 4 gene and other 3p26 genes related to intellectual capabilities; yet, the resulting hemizygosity either did not lead to haploinsufficiency or was minimally expressed. Moreover, the patient's peculiar cognitive and behavioral profile suggests that the 3p26 deletion is associated with a distinctive neuropsychological phenotype. Incidentally we comment on authorship and publication ethics in order to urge our institutional ethics committee to arbitrate authorship conflicts and thereby be consistent with its ethical commitment.

Incontinentia pigmenti: a case report

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a genodermatosis with an X-linked dominant mode of inheritance, characterized by ectodermal, mesodermal, neurological, ocular, and dental manifestations. The purpose of this case study was to report the oral and dental manifestations of an IP case in a Venezuelan pediatric patient. A 9 year-old Venezuelan girl was evaluated. She showed macular pigmented lesions in her face, trunk, back, legs, and fingers as well as abnormal hair distribution, alopecia on the vertex, and hypoplasia of eyebrows. During the dental examination, conical shaped-teeth and delayed dental eruption was evidenced. The microanalytical examination showed dentin without significant alterations in the mineralization except for hypermineralization in focal areas. In addition, a decrease in the enamel mineralization was observed.