Correction to: In vitro prediction of stop-codon suppression by intravenous gentamicin in patients with cystic fibrosis: a pilot study.

The original article [1] contains errors in Table 1 affecting some of the presented oligonucleotide sequences and readthrough values in Table 1.

Spectrum of CFTR mutations on Réunion Island: impact on neonatal screening.

The large heterogeneity in the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene is the main difficulty for genotype characterization. Numerous studies have reported considerable variations in frequencies of CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutations in different populations, such as African, Asian, or European populations. To completely characterize the spectrum of mutations in the CFTR gene in the Réunion Island population, we screened 228 CF chromosomes using denaturing high-pressure liquid chromatography and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis following by direct sequencing. We identified 27 mutations, accounting for 93% of CF chromosomes. They included three novel mutations (M1T, 3121-3C-->G, and L1324P), which are described in this paper. The detection of such a high proportion of Réunion Island CFTR mutations is important for improving neonatal screening of CF on Réunion Island.

[Clinical study and prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome in medico-social institutions of the Reunion Island]. / Etude clinique et prévalence du syndrome d'alcoolisation foetale pris en charge dans les établissements médicosociaux de l'île de la Réunion.

BACKGROUND: Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a major problem in the Reunion Island and the Public Health Authorities decided to determine its prevalence in their medico-social centers on 31 December 1996. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was established to identify affected patients in the 20 medico-social centers in charge of 1320 children. Eighty-eight children were selected and 87 could be analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-four of 87 (76.3%) were FAS and 23 of 87 (23.7%) had closely alcohol-related diseases. The prevalence was between 7.1 and 14.1% and lower than expected from available data. CONCLUSION: The study allowed to precise the social and familial factors predisposing to alcohol addiction during pregnancy. A TV prevention message will be broadcasted after this study.

Separation of haemoglobins using a monodisperse cation exchanger.

In order to separate haemoglobin variants in one step, a chromatographic method using Mono S (Pharmacia) monodisperse cation exchanger was developed The separation of haemoglobins (A, S, E, D, C and F) on a short analytical column (50 X 5 mm I.D.) was accomplished in 30 min, including the regeneration, using linear buffer gradient elution (lithium chloride in 0.01 M sodium malonate, 0 to 100%). For haemoglobin A, two peaks, probably corresponding to different molecular forms, were found. This systematic double peak affected the recognition and the measurement of haemoglobins. By filling the test-tube with carbon monoxide before injecting the haemolysate, we obtained reproducible results with regard to both retention times and peak shape, and also great stability. The long-term stability and the high speed of the separation seem to be adequate for automation, making the method suitable for routine clinical laboratory-use.