Holt-Oram syndrome is caused by mutations in TBX5, a member of the Brachyury (T) gene family.

Holt-Oram syndrome is a developmental disorder affecting the heart and upper limb, the gene for which was mapped to chromosome 12 two years ago. We have now identified a gene for this disorder (HOS1). The gene (TBX5) is a member of the Brachyury (T) family corresponding to the mouse Tbx5 gene. We have identified six mutations, three in HOS families and three in sporadic HOS cases. Each of the mutations introduces a premature stop codon in the TBX5 gene product. Tissue in situ hybridization studies on human embryos from days 26 to 52 of gestation reveal expression of TBX5 in heart and limb, consistent with a role in human embryonic development.

Mutation in the gene encoding ferritin light polypeptide causes dominant adult-onset basal ganglia disease.

We describe here a previously unknown, dominantly inherited, late-onset basal ganglia disease, variably presenting with extrapyramidal features similar to those of Huntington's disease (HD) or parkinsonism. We mapped the disorder, by linkage analysis, to 19q13.3, which contains the gene for ferritin light polypeptide (FTL). We found an adenine insertion at position 460-461 that is predicted to alter carboxy-terminal residues of the gene product. Brain histochemistry disclosed abnormal aggregates of ferritin and iron. Low serum ferritin levels also characterized patients. Ferritin, the main iron storage protein, is composed of 24 subunits of two types (heavy, H and light, L) which form a soluble, hollow sphere. Brain iron deposition increases normally with age, especially in the basal ganglia, and is a suspected causative factor in several neurodegenerative diseases in which it correlates with visible pathology, possibly by its involvement in toxic free-radical reactions. We found the same mutation in five apparently unrelated subjects with similar extrapyramidal symptoms. An abnormality in ferritin strongly indicates a primary function for iron in the pathogenesis of this new disease, for which we propose the name 'neuroferritinopathy'.

Water uptake and strength characteristics of a nanofilled resin-based composite.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of short- and medium-term immersion on water uptake and mechanical properties of a so-called 'nanofilled' compared with a conventional resin-based composite (RBC). METHOD: For each material (a microhybrid, Filtek Z250, FZ and 'nanofilled' RBC, Filtek Supreme in body and translucent shades, FSB and FST; 3M ESPE, St. Paul, USA) five specimen groups (n=20) were tested. Mean bi-axial flexure strength (BFS) of each group was determined following 24h 'dry' and 24h, 3, 6 and 12 months in a water-bath maintained at 37+/-1 degrees C prior to testing. The extent of water uptake following each storage regime was determined using a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique. RESULTS: No significant difference in BFS was identified for each material stored dry or wet for 24h (F=2.7; P=0.07) whilst BFS decreased following 3, 6 and 12 months (F=6.6; P<0.001). A significant decrease in BFS of FZ was observed following 3 and 6 months (147+/-34 and 102+/-30 MPa; P<0.001) with no further reduction following 12 months (94+/-13 MPa; P>0.05). In contrast, no significant decrease in BFS of FSB (97+/-34 MPa) and FST (112+/-28 MPa) was recorded following 6 compared with 3 months immersion (P>0.05). Storage for 12 months resulted in a further significant strength reduction of FSB and FST (56+/-11, 82+/-12 MPa; P=0.004, P<0.001, respectively). Water uptake of FZ and FSB increased up to 3 months before equilibrating, whereas water content of FST increased following all storage periods. CONCLUSIONS: Strength degradation occurred at different rates between material types. Water uptake and mechanical properties of test materials were influenced by the size and morphology of the reinforcing particulate phase. The use of nanoparticles and associated agglomerates in modern RBCs exhibit distinct mechanical and physical properties compared with a conventional RBC type.

A study of X chromosome activity in two incontinentia pigmenti families with probable linkage to Xq28.

Linkage analysis was carried out in two British families with incontinentia pigmenti (IP). Both showed exclusion at several markers in Xp and proximal Xq and showed probable linkage to the DXS52 and F8C loci in Xq28. This suggests that in these families the disease locus is IP2. Using a method based on the androgen receptor gene, and confirming the results where possible at the PGK-1 and DXS255 loci, it was shown that in affected females the maternally inherited X chromosome, where it could be identified, is inactive in the majority of cells.

Isolation of a full-length human WNT7A gene implicated in limb development and cell transformation, and mapping to chromosome 3p25.

The Wnt gene family has a role in development as well as tumourigenesis. One mouse member, Wnt7a, is vital for limb development in vivo and also possesses transforming ability in vitro. This study reports the isolation of a full length of human homologue of mouse Wnt7a gene by library screening. Yeast artificial chromosome-fluorescence in situ hybridisation (YAC-FISH) mapped the WNT7A gene to chromosome 3p25. Human WNT7A had an ORF encoding a deduced protein of 349 aa that exhibited 97% and 92% identity to mouse Wnt7a at the aa and nucleic acid levels, respectively. It possessed the 22 conserved cysteine residues and 3 more at the amino terminus, and a putative poly A tail. This is the fifth human WNT gene in which a complete cDNA sequence had been determined.

A1 adenosine receptor inhibition of cyclic AMP formation and radioligand binding in the guinea-pig cerebral cortex.

1. A1 adenosine receptors were investigated by radioligand binding and functional studies in slices and particulate preparations from guinea-pig cerebral cortex. 2. Binding of the adenosine receptor antagonist radioligand, 8-cyclopentyl-[3H]-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX) to guinea-pig cerebral cortical membranes exhibited high density (1410 +/- 241 fmol mg-1 protein) and high affinity (Kd 3.8 +/- 0.3 nM). 3. [3H]-DPCPX binding to guinea-pig cerebral cortical membranes was displaced in a monophasic manner by adenosine receptor antagonists with the rank order of affinity (Ki values, nM): DPCPX (6) < xanthine amine congener (XAC, 153) < PD 115,199 (308). 4. Agonist displacement of [3H]-DPCPX binding was biphasic and exhibited the following rank order at the low affinity site (Ki values): 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyl-adenosine (CCPA, 513 nM) = N6-R-phenylisopropyladenosine (R-PIA, 526 nM) = N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA, 532 nM) < 2-chloroadenosine (2CA, 3.2 microM) = 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA, 4.6 microM) < N6-S-phenylisopropyladenosine (S-PIA, 19.9 microM). 5. In cerebral cortical slices, [3H]-DPCPX binding was displaced by antagonists and agonists in an apparently monophasic manner with the rank order of affinity (Ki values, nM): DPCPX (14) < XAC (45) < R-PIA (266) < PD 115,199 (666) < S-PIA (21000). 6. Cyclic AMP accumulation stimulated by 30 microM forskolin in guinea-pig cerebral cortical slices was inhibited by R-PIA, CCPA and CPA up to 1 microM in a concentration-dependent fashion with IC50 values of 14, 18, and 22 nM, respectively. All three analogues inhibited the forskolin response to a similar extent (82-93% inhibition). NECA, S-PTA and 2CA failed to inhibit the forskolin response, but rather enhanced the accumulation of cyclic AMP at concentrations of 100 nM or greater, presumably through activation of A2b adenosine receptors coupled to stimulation of cyclic AMP accumulation in guinea-pig cerebral cortical slices.7. The inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation by CPA was antagonized with the rank order of affinity (Ki values, nM): DPCPX (6)

A new mathematical model for fitting an HPL radioimmunoassay curve.

A number of mathematical models have been tested for their suitability in representing the dose response curve of a specific assay of the hormone human placental lactogen (HPL).(1)A new equation Y = B[0.14 + 1/[1 + C log [1 + exp[X - D]]] where Y is the percentage activity or counts bound to the antibody and X is the HPL concentration is proposed as representing the overall shape of the curve. This model is shown to give both an accurate representation of the curve and to allow reproducible determination of an unknown over a number of occasions. A number of other models are compared. The new model allows automatic calculation of HPL concentrations from a standard curve using a computer.

Subtypes of metabotropic excitatory amino acid receptor distinguished by stereoisomers of the rigid glutamate analogue, 1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylate.

The 1R,3R- and 1R,3S-isomers of 1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylate (ACPD) failed to stimulate phosphoinositide turnover or modify A2b adenosine receptor-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in guinea-pig cerebral cortical slices. In contrast, both 1S,3R- and 1S,3S-ACPD elicited concentration-dependent stimulations of phosphoinositide turnover (EC50 values 35 and 97 microM, respectively) and potentiated A2b-stimulated cAMP formation (17 and 58 microM, respectively). When forskolin was used to elevate cyclic AMP levels, however, all four isomers elicited concentration-dependent inhibitions of cyclic AMP formation to the same extent (approximately 90% inhibition). For this response the rank order of potencies were (IC50 values): 1S,3S-(0.9 microM) > 1S,3R-(2.1 microM) > 1R,3R-(237 microM) > 1R,3S-ACPD (approximately 1 mM). These data suggest the presence in guinea-pig cerebral cortex of two distinct subtypes of ACPD receptor coupled to phosphoinositide hydrolysis (and the potentiation of A2b receptor-stimulated cAMP formation) and the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. Furthermore, our results indicate the usefulness of 1S,3S-ACPD as a tool to selectively activate one of these subtypes.

Activation of a metabotropic excitatory amino acid receptor potentiates A2b adenosine receptor-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation.

Incubation of guinea-pig cerebral cortical slices with the excitatory amino acid agonists DL-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) or N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) failed to significantly alter either basal or 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine- (NECA-)stimulated cAMP levels. Quisqualate, L-glutamate and DL-1-aminocyclopentane-trans-1,3- dicarboxylate (t-ACPD) were also without effect on basal levels of cAMP but increased NECA-stimulated levels of cAMP to approximately 190, 220 and 290% of control levels, respectively. Analysis of t-ACPD concentration-response data for the potentiation of NECA-stimulated cAMP elevations and the stimulation of phosphoinositide turnover gave EC50 values of 51 and 107 microM, respectively. The enhancing effect of t-ACPD on cAMP levels was maintained for up to 40 minutes as was the stimulation of phosphoinositide turnover. We conclude that the cAMP response to A2b adenosine receptor stimulation is augmented by the rigid glutamate analogue t-ACPD, possibly through the action of products of phosphoinositide turnover.

A minimally destructive technique for removing the smear layer from dentine surfaces.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a minimally destructive technique for removing the smear layer produced by cutting and polishing specimens of dentine prepared for use in experimental studies, e.g. on occlusion of dentinal tubules by oral health products. The aim was to avoid the damage caused by conventional techniques utilising short exposures to solutions with very low pH. METHODS: Two acetate buffers, pH 5.5, containing different concentrations of calcium and phosphate, with -log(ion activity product with respect to hydroxyapatite) (pI(HA)) of 55 or 56, were tested on slices of dentine using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: A solution which, from previous work, was slightly undersaturated with respect to dentine mineral, with a pI(HA) of 56, was found to remove smear layers produced by cutting and/or polishing after 15 min. However, to reliably remove debris occluding the tubules an exposure time of 2h, followed by brief ultrasonication, was necessary. After 2h treatment with this buffer, only a small amount of demineralization of the surface was detectable by SEM, while calcium and phosphorus were detectable by X-ray dispersive spectroscopy. CONCLUSION: It is possible to remove smear layers, and to open dentinal tubules, by a reasonably short exposure to an acidic buffer which is undersaturated with respect to dentine mineral.

Synthesis of nanobioglass and formation of apatite rods to occlude exposed dentine tubules and eliminate hypersensitivity.

The occlusion of patent dentine tubules may reduce or eliminate hypersensitivity by restricting dentinal fluid movement. The efficacy of a novel sol-gel nanobioglass and a melt-derived bioglass to occlude tubules and promote apatite formation was tested by mechanically brushing a slurry of bioglass powder and human saliva onto dentine possessing exposed tubules. Scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to characterize the powders and assess tubule occlusion. Melt-derived bioglass possessed an irregular particle morphology and had a mean size of 3.30 +/- 0.42 microm. The sol-gel bioglass particles were spherical, with a mean size of 0.65 +/- 0.19 microm. Dentine treated with melt-derived bioglass exhibited a tightly adherent continuous apatite layer. Treatment with nanobioglass resulted in particle deposition within tubules and formation of apatite rods which were tightly adherent to tubule walls and continuous to a measured depth of 270 microm.

Differential pulse polarographic determination of total iodine in milk.

A differential pulse polarographic method for total iodine in milk is presented. Samples are ashed, sodium hypochlorite is added to oxidize iodide to iodate, and the product is mixed with sodium sulfite solution and measured by differential pulse polarography at -90 V against SCE. The standard deviation for 53 duplicate samples was 0.011. Average recovery for 10 or more samples at different levels was 98.6% with a standard deviation of 2.9%.

Chronic iodine toxicity in dairy cattle: blood chemistry, leukocytes, and milk iodide.

Preliminary data from farm herds fed excessive dietary iodide and displaying signs of iodism indicated hyperglycemia, hypocholesterolemia, and a neutrophilic-lymphopenic shift in blood leukocytes. Subsequently blood, milk, and urine were analyzed from 90 cows in 10 herds fed normal (average 16 mg/cow daily) or high (average 164 mg) iodide as ethylenediamine dihydriodide for prophylactic purposes and from one herd fed iodinated casein for 3 wk. Glucose, area nitrogen, and neutrophils were higher while cholesterol and lymphocytes were lower in blood from cows fed high iodide. Milk iodide averaged .37 +/- .03 ppm from normal and 2.16 +/- .25 from herds fed high iodide. Neutrophils, glucose, protein, and globulin of serum increased while lymphocytes, cholesterol, and thyroxine decreased as iodide in milk and urine increased. Signs of iodism included lacrimation, coryza, conjunctivitis, coughing, hair loss, and exophthalmus. These findings corroborate other reports that excessive iodide alters metabolism and is toxic to immune mechanisms, suggesting that dietary iodide should be limited to nutritional requirements and prolonged prophylactic or therapeutic use should be avoided.

Isolation and characterization of WNT8B, a novel human Wnt gene that maps to 10q24.

Wnt genes encode intercellular signalling molecules that play important roles in key processes of embryonic development such as mesoderm induction, specification of the embryonic axis, and patterning of the central nervous system, spinal cord, and limb. Multiple such genes are known to exist in each of several species that have been investigated, and they have been classified into various groups and subgroups on the basis of high sequence homology and common expression patterns. The vertebrate Wnt8 subfamily includes genes from Xenopus, zebrafish, and chicken, but, to date, no mammalian homologues have been described. We now report cloning and characterization of a novel human member of this family that we have termed WNT8B on the basis of the very high sequence similarity of the inferred protein to those encoded by the Xenopus and zebrafish Wnt8b genes. PCR typing of a human monochromosomal hybrid cell panel mapped the gene to chromosome 10, and FISH mapping provided a subchromosomal location at 10q24. Northern blotting and RT-PCR assays indicated that the WNT8B gene is expressed in several human tissues during fetal and adult stages.

Isolation and characterization of three microsatellite markers in the proximal long arm of the human X chromosome.

Three microsatellites have been identified in cosmids from the human X chromosome. The cosmids have been assigned locus numbers DXS554, DXS559, and DXS566 and have been localized to Xq12-q13 (DXS554 and DXS559) and Xq13 (DXS566). In addition, they have been genetically mapped in relation to the androgen receptor (AR), phosphoglycerate kinase 1, pseudogene 1 (PGK1P1), and phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK1) loci in the proximal long arm. Genetically, the localization of microsatellites at DXS554 and DXS566 is indistinguishable from PGK1, whereas that at DXS559 maps between AR and PGK1, close to PGK1P1. DXS566 is identical to the independently identified DXS441 marker. These markers should be useful for physical and genetic mapping in this region.

X chromosome linkage studies in familial Rett syndrome.

Four families, each with two individuals affected by Rett Syndrome (RS), were analysed using restriction fragment length polymorphisms and microsatellite markers from the X chromosome. In two of the families, X-linked dominant inheritance of the RS defect from a germinally mosaic mother could be assumed. Therefore, maternal X chromosome markers showing discordant inheritance were used to exclude regions of the X chromosome as locations of the RS gene. Much of the short arm could be excluded, including regions containing three candidate genes, OTC, synapsin 1 and synaptophysin. Although most of the long arm was inherited in common it was possible to exclude a centromeric region. Inheritance of X chromosome markers is also presented for two families with affected aunt-niece pairs, one of which has not been previously studied at the DNA level.