Molecular diagnostics in genodermatoses - simplified.

The field of genetics in dermatology has progressed at an astonishing rate. Most of the known single gene disorders have at least been mapped to a particular chromosomal region and the causative genes have been identified and studied in many of them. However, most research work in genetics relating to genodermatoses has been confined to the western population. Very few reports, if any, have been published from Indian studies. A first step may be to develop a registry to link most of these cases providing a full description of the clinical phenotype. We would next need to attempt genetic analysis of these conditions thereby detecting any novel mutations in known and unknown genes different from the western population. This would help in designing indigenous assays appropriate to the Indian population. The review describes various techniques used in a molecular biology/ genetics laboratory with special focus on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gene sequencing, genotyping and DNA micro arrays. Gene identification strategies have also been described with appropriate examples in dermatology.

Effect of micronutrient supplement on health and nutritional status of schoolchildren: mental function.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of a micronutrient-fortified beverage on mental function in schoolchildren. METHODS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled, matched-pair, cluster, randomized feeding trial assessed baseline before supplementation and after 14 mo in a cohort of 608 children aged 6 to 15 y who received a micronutrient-fortified beverage or placebo. Children in two classes (clusters) in each of nine grades were assessed for intelligence, attention and concentration, memory, and school achievement. RESULTS: Mean intelligence quotient scores of the micronutrient-fortified beverage group and the placebo group at baseline and final follow-up were not significantly different. Mean verbal and performance scores and increments were also not different. After supplementation, attention-concentration increment scores of the micronutrient group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the placebo group. Mean and incremental scores of the supplemented group on the memory scale were not significantly different from those of the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with a beverage fortified with a range of micronutrients significantly improved attention-concentration over 14 mo, but not intelligence quotient, memory, or school achievement among middle-income schoolchildren.